Leandro Barreiro and more: Benfica eye Nacional, with Sporting in mind | OneFootball

Leandro Barreiro has recovered from the injury that ruled him out of contention against Casa Pia and is hoping to go all in against Nacional. According to what has been learned, the Luxembourg midfielder is all but certain to be in the starting lineup for Benfica, with the aim of building match fitness ahead of the visit to Alvalade on April 19 to face Sporting.

According to Record, in this Sunday’s edition, April 12, the No. 18 is more than ready to be included among José Mourinho’s options. However, it should be remembered that the Luxembourger is not the only piece of good news in Benfica’s midfield. At the press conference, the Special One also announced that Fredrik Aursnes is in the squad.

Leandro Barreiro’s return has two clear objectives for José Mourinho. The first is to give the midfielder minutes and match rhythm before the complicated clash against Rui Borges’ side. The second is focused on bringing different energy to Benfica’s midfield, which was unable to impose its game in Rio Maior.

As for Aursnes, since he was sidelined for nearly a month due to a muscle injury picked up in the match against Gil Vicente, the No. 8 is expected to start on the bench, with the expectation that José Mourinho will give the Norwegian some minutes during the game against the islanders.

This season for Benfica, Leandro Barreiro — valued at €15 million — has already made a total of 44 official appearances: 25 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 13 in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. In the 2,491 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the midfielder has recorded four goals and five assists.

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