Benfica ‘hope to have’ Fredrik Aursnes fit for Real Madrid clash | OneFootball

Benfica are racing against time over Fredrik Aursnes’s fitness before the first leg of their Champions League tie with Real Madrid. The Norwegian midfielder is a major doubt.

A Bola reports that he suffered a muscular injury in training on Thursday, 12 February, which ruled him out of the 2-1 win at Santa Clara.

Given the nature of the problem, recovery can be lengthy and his involvement remains unclear. The report adds that Benfica still hope to include him, even if only on the bench, while carefully managing his workload.

Tomás Araújo should recover in time to face Real Madrid. The defender raised alarms in the Azores with knee pain, then underwent re-evaluation, and indications are he can make José Mourinho’s squad.

Enzo Barrenechea, valued at 15 million euros, has made 33 competitive appearances this season for Benfica, featuring 17 times in Liga Portugal Betclic and 12 in the Champions League, plus two in the Taça de Portugal, one in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 2,450 minutes he has recorded one goal and one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904