Fredrik Aursnes to miss Santa Clara trip and doubtful for Real Madrid home tie | OneFootball

Fredrik Aursnes will miss Benfica’s trip to Santa Clara on Friday 13 February, a significant late blow to José Mourinho’s midfield plans. According to Glorioso 1904, the Norway international is also not expected to be available for the home meeting with Real Madrid next Tuesday.

Aursnes has been an important part of Benfica’s set up but will sit out in the Azores due to a physical issue, forcing a rethink.

His availability for the second leg in Spain on 25 February remains uncertain. Benfica had been regaining options after injuries, yet full back Amar Dedic is also out of the 22nd round fixture.

Santa Clara approach the contest with added encouragement at facing a depleted opponent. Petit, now in charge of the islanders, believes his side’s attitude will be decisive in chasing a result.

This season Aursnes has played 40 competitive matches for Benfica, 21 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 12 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. He has scored four goals and supplied seven assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904