Richard Ríos misses Nacional v Benfica, some say he's just sulking | OneFootball

Richard Ríos is a significant absence for the match against Nacional. However, according to José Mourinho, coach of Benfica, there is no reason to 'cry' over the absence of the Colombian international, stating that the Clube da Luz has several options to field against the island team.

"He has always been a starter, but when Lukebakio got injured — and it was a somewhat dramatic moment — I chose to say that if Lukebakio doesn’t play, someone else will. And I think this is a good way to face all the setbacks we may have, whether it’s injuries or suspensions," he began, speaking to BTV.

"There’s no Ríos, there’s someone else, and I think this is the right philosophy, not to cry over negative things", said José Mourinho, explaining that there is no shortage of options. It’s worth remembering that the Special One has already debuted his ‘winter signing’ by giving Manu Silva his first minutes of the season, who has already reacted to his return to competition.

"Look with optimism and say that someone else will play. And that whoever plays, plays as well as Ríos has been playing," concluded the coach from Setúbal, regarding the absence of Richard Ríos, who will not be able to contribute in the Choupana clash.

It should be noted that the Colombian international will miss the game in Madeira — always a tough trip to Nacional’s ground — as he serves a suspension, after receiving a yellow card against Casa Pia. On the other hand, after serving his suspension against the ‘Gansos’, Nicolás Otamendi returns to José Mourinho’s squad.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.