Otamendi and Richard Ríos could be late surprises for Benfica v Santa Clara | OneFootball

Bruno Lage may face a significant double setback for the Benfica - Santa Clara match. After the international commitments, Nicolás Otamendi and Richard Ríos remain doubtful for the clash in the fifth round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, which will be played this Friday, September 12, at 8:15 PM, at Estádio da Luz.

"Tomorrow morning we will assess the players who arrived yesterday [Wednesday], many players are only on their third day of preparation," stated Bruno Lage when asked about the presence of Nicolás Otamendi and Richard Ríos in the Benfica – Santa Clara match, of the fifth round of the Liga Portugal Betclic.

The Argentine international – who made some statements that caused controversy in Portugal – was sent off at the 31st minute of the match against Ecuador and is expected to be fresher than the midfielder. Meanwhile, Richard Ríos, playing for Colombia, completed the full 90 minutes and accumulated more fatigue.

"Santa Clara is a very organized team, last year we faced them three times, they know what they have and like to do with the ball. We know how they defend and like to press. It will be a very demanding game on our part. We have to play at the highest level," concluded Bruno Lage, warning of the difficulties Benfica will encounter.

The Benfica – Santa Clara match is scheduled for September 12, at 8:15 PM, at Estádio da Luz, and pertains to the fifth round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. Bruno Lage's team is in fourth place in the National Championship, with nine points in three matches. Porto is first (12 points in four matches), Famalicão second (10 points in four games), and Sporting third (nine points in four matches).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.