Tomás Araújo ‘expected to start’ against Real Madrid after knee scare | OneFootball

Benfica have begun preparations for Real Madrid with encouraging updates on Tomás Araújo after his first-half knee scare against Santa Clara.

A Bola reports that the centre-back was re-assessed on Sunday, 15 February, and is available for the tie, adding he is expected to start alongside Nicolás Otamendi.

Medical tests carried out on Saturday, 14 February, revealed no serious damage, and the report said he would recover in time for Benfica to host Real Madrid. It would be a boost for José Mourinho.

The report also noted that Dodi Lukebakio could be a surprise inclusion in the squad. Having been an unused substitute in that match, the Belgian may get his first minutes since injury in the Champions League.

This season, Tomás Araújo, valued at €28 million, has played 30 matches for Benfica, 16 in Liga Portugal Betclic, seven 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 2,043 minutes he has one goal and one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904