Álvaro Magalhães calls Richard Ríos absence a blow but plays down Benfica fears | OneFootball

Álvaro Magalhães has downplayed talk of a midfield crisis at Benfica after Richard Ríos dislocated his right shoulder. The midfielder has opted for conservative treatment to avoid surgery and will miss the next fixtures under José Mourinho.

"It is a blow for the team, especially as Enzo Barrenechea is also injured. They had been playing together for some time and routines matter in a team," said the 65-year-old, speaking to Record.

"But there is Manu, who has already played two games, although he does not yet have match rhythm. There is Aursnes, there is Leandro Barreiro and there is Sudakov."

He argued there are many options for that role and Mourinho cannot complain, the staff must prepare the side so any change does not hit performance.

Benfica will need to remodel the centre for the immediate tests, leaning on the versatility of Fredrik Aursnes and the work rate of Leandro Barreiro. The former Portugal international believes the key is how the group absorbs new faces without losing collective flow.

Benfica are scheduled to play on Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 20:30 at Estádio do Rio Ave in Vila do Conde.

Source: Glorioso 1904