Dodi Lukebakio back for Benfica after three months, Bruma omitted for Santa Clara trip | OneFootball

Dodi Lukebakio returns to Benfica’s squad for the trip to Santa Clara after three months out, while Bruma has been left out for technical reasons.

Speaking to BTV, José Mourinho said Lukebakio has moved beyond the recovery stage that Ríos and Bah are in and that he is taking the Belgian to play, while Bruma will not travel with the group.

After Sunday’s win over Alverca, Mourinho had thought Lukebakio might only be ready for AFS SAD next week. His earlier availability now opens the possibility of bringing forward his competitive return and potentially featuring in the Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid.

Lukebakio has not played since 18 November, when he sustained a left ankle fracture on Belgium duty. After a brief debut off the bench against Rio Ave, he started the next 10 matches and became a fixture in Mourinho’s plans.

Bruma, who missed the opening months with a complete rupture of the left Achilles tendon, was first called this season on 17 January in the win over Rio Ave. He has logged only 13 minutes across the last two league rounds, against Tondela and Alverca, and remains in Lisbon.

Benfica face Santa Clara on Friday 13 February in the Liga Portugal Betclic’s 22nd round. Kick-off is at 18:30 at Estádio de São Miguel in the Azores, against a side coached by Petit.

Source: Glorioso 1904