Georgiy Sudakov misses Benfica friendly with back injury, problem not deemed serious | OneFootball

Georgiy Sudakov missed Benfica’s 5-2 pre-season win over Estrela da Amadora at Seixal due to a lower back injury. The issue is not considered a major concern, so Marco Silva left the Ukraine international out of the club’s second pre-season outing.

The absence comes as he tries to reboot his Benfica career after a difficult debut year. According to Record, under José Mourinho he struggled to establish himself, admitted he was going through a tough spell and finished the league season unused in the last six matches.

The change in the dugout has brought renewed confidence for the midfielder. During his unveiling, Marco Silva made clear he counts on him for the new campaign.

Before this setback, the start of pre-season was seen as a key chance for Sudakov, 24, to relaunch at the Luz and claim a more prominent role.

Despite the absence, indications are that the problem should not keep him out for long. He should be able to return to training soon and continue preparations, with Benfica’s first major target to get past St. Gallen in the Europa League second qualifying round.

Source: Glorioso 1904