José Mourinho faces 8 injuries and one doubt ahead of Benfica v Braga | OneFootball

On Monday, Benfica held another training session in Seixal to prepare for the decisive clash against Braga. This training was aimed at fine-tuning strategies for the League Cup semi-final, during a critical phase of the season where the competitive schedule gives no respite to the Eagles.

Eight absences and one doubt for Benfica - Braga

The list of unavailable players is extensive: Samuel Soares, Joshua Wynder, Alexander Bah, Nuno Félix, João Veloso, Enzo Barrenechea, Bruma, and Dodi Lukébakio are out of the game. The extensive medical report creates serious difficulties in managing the squad, leaving the coach with few options to tackle this winter classic.

Additionally, António Silva remains a significant question mark in the defensive line. The young center-back was expected to be in the starting 11 against Estoril but was excluded due to sudden physical limitations. His participation in the important duel against the warriors from Minho remains, therefore, quite uncertain and conditioned.

Mourinho with much to ponder

So many absences cause major headaches for José Mourinho in structuring the team. Besides the injured players, Fredrik Aursnes is being managed physically, a situation that complicates the plans of the Setubal coach. The Sadino leader will have to forge alternative solutions within the locker room to fill the gaps in his tactical scheme.

The kickoff of this thrilling challenge between Benfica and Braga is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 7th. The final four match of the Allianz Cup will take place at 8:00 PM at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, with the arbitration of the Portuguese international referee João Pinheiro.

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