Nicolás Otamendi ‘to return’ for Benfica against Vitória de Guimarães | OneFootball

With the countdown to hosting Vitória de Guimarães under way, Benfica now have clarity on Nicolás Otamendi’s fitness after he missed Arouca.

Record writes that the No 30 is fit to return to Benfica’s defence. It is a timely boost for José Mourinho as he covers for the certain absence of António Silva after his fifth yellow card.

The Argentine left the Porto match with discomfort and, although he could have made the Arouca squad, he was ultimately not selected, alongside Enzo Barrenechea. António Silva stepped in and, unfortunately, also picked up an injury.

Mourinho will not be on the touchline against Vitória de Guimarães, and the centre-back pairing is expected to include Tomás Araújo with the returning Otamendi. Amar Dedic is also unavailable after a red card in the last game.

This season Otamendi, valued at one million euros, has made 43 competitive appearances for Benfica, 24 in the league, 14 in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 3,809 minutes, he has scored three goals.

Source: Glorioso 1904