With Richard Ríos sidelined, Mourinho faces key call at Benfica | OneFootball

With Richard Ríos injured, José Mourinho faces a significant selection call for Benfica’s meeting with Rio Ave on Saturday, 17 January.

According to Glorioso 1904, the head coach has several options and must pick the one that offers the greatest security to his side. Leandro Barreiro is the primary alternative, having been a frequent pick, especially in support of the striker.

If Mourinho does not turn to the Luxembourg international, Fredrik Aursnes is the next option. He previously operated in the deeper midfield role during Enzo Barrenechea’s absence and could do so again in the coming matches.

Even with those choices, Mourinho is wary of creating new problems elsewhere in a midfield group already light on numbers, particularly for the next fixture. The Colombia international has declined surgery, which remains a factor in the coach’s planning.

This season Ríos, valued at 22 million euros, has made 32 appearances for Benfica, 16 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 10 in the Champions League, three in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in the Supertaça. Across 2,622 minutes he has scored three goals and supplied two assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904