Benfica return after layoff with a flurry of games

Benfica is back! Following the international break, the Portuguese giants return to domestic and continental action with a grueling schedule. Over the next three weeks, the Eagles face a flurry of high-stakes matches across multiple competitions, testing squad depth to the absolute limit.

With pressure building in both Portuguese League and the Europa League, every single point is crucial. Fans can expect intense drama as Benfica navigates home advantages and tough road trips.

Here is the full list of competitive games scheduled for Benfica over the next three weeks: 

October 11/26 - Guimaraes (Home - League)

October 15/26 - Celtic (Home - Europa)

October 22/26 - Omonia (Away - Europa)

October 26/26 - Santa Clara (Away - League)

October 29/26 - Gil Vicente (Home- League Cup) 

The marathon begins tomorrow and Benfica will be looking for a perfect run. 

Benfica maintains interest in Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul

Portuguese club Benfica remain firmly interested in signing French forward Esteban Lepaul from Ligue 1 side Rennes. The Lisbon club is pushing hard to reinforce its attacking frontline with the dynamic 26-year-old goalscorer, though they face fierce competition across the continent from clubs like Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Lens Demands Hefty Asking Fee 

Prized as one of French football's hottest attacking properties, the Ligue 1 outfit holds significant leverage in potential negotiations. With the clinical striker securely under contract until June 2030, the French club has reportedly demanded a transfer fee between €50 million and €60 million before considering any departure this upcoming winter window.

Lethal Form Across Both Seasons

The marksman's market value has surged following consistently prolific campaigns in front of goal:

• Last Season: Delivered a sensational breakout campaign, netting 20 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
• This Season: Has maintained his lethal touch in the final third, already tallying 3 goals in 6 matches. 

Benfica must decide whether to meet this high valuation to seal a primary attacking option while setting an all-time record on the acquisition of a player at that price target who in the past two weeks has made his France national team debut. 

Benfica hold breathe on Sudakov injury

Benfica attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov limped off in tears while in action for Ukraine with an apparent ankle injury. Benfica is now sweating over the seriousness of the injury with the player to undergo medical tests.

The 24-year-old midfielder was forced off in the 68th minute of Ukraine’s 3-0 Nations League defeat against Northern Ireland. The incident occurred following a heavy touchline challenge from defender Brodie Spencer. Sudakov attempted to play through the pain but ultimately left the pitch in visible distress.

 

Fears of a Serious Layoff

While an official diagnosis is pending, team-mate Eduard Sarapiy revealed that Sudakov himself fears the injury could be serious. Sudakov seemed to trap his right foot on the play, pointing toward a possible ankle sprain that could sideline him for several weeks. 

The midfielder has officially left the Ukraine camp to return to Portugal, with the timing of the injury incredibly awkward for Benfica manager Marco Silva who faces a tactical headache if further tests confirm an extended absence for Sudakov.