José Mourinho hoping for miracle as Benfica sweat on Tomás Araújo for Braga | OneFootball

Benfica begin preparations this week for the Braga clash after the draw at Famalicão, with José Mourinho hoping for a miracle with Tomás Araújo as defensive issues mount. The date is yet to be confirmed.

With Nicolás Otamendi and Richard Ríos both suspended, changes are unavoidable, and centre-back is the biggest headache due to limited options. A Bola reports that there is urgency in Araújo’s recovery and the outlook could yet be favourable for the coach.

Araújo has not featured since suffering an injury in the derby, and his return had been targeted for the Famalicão match, which did not happen and raised concerns. The defender is 23.

If he is not ready, Mourinho may again redeploy Enzo Barrenechea in defence or turn to academy youngsters.

This season Araújo has made 37 appearances for Benfica, 21 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Liga Portugal Meu Super. Across 2,615 minutes he has one goal and one assist. He is valued at 28 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904