Mourinho to be without Prestianni for AFS, Lukebakio could start | OneFootball

José Mourinho has begun preparing for AFS, but Benfica will be without Gianluca Prestianni due to suspension.

According to Glorioso 1904, the Argentine is banned for the 21 February home game after his fifth yellow in Liga Portugal Betclic. The issue is unrelated to the Champions League controversy, and rumours point to a solution being prepared.

With the No 25 out, Mourinho is expected to restore Dodi Lukebakio to the starting XI. The AFS test, viewed as theoretically more manageable but not without strengths, could suit a starting return. Lukebakio logged his first minutes against Real Madrid after three months out.

Prestianni will therefore sit out AFS and have a week to recover from the Real Madrid match. For now, nothing prevents him being available for the Champions League second leg, despite UEFA opening an investigation and appointing an ethics inspector.

This season for Benfica, Prestianni, valued at €12 million, has made 30 appearances, 18 in Liga Portugal Betclic, seven in the Champions League, two in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 1,460 minutes, the winger has two goals and one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904