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.

Who is new Benfica defender Clement Lenglet

Portuguese giants Benfica completed the signing of French center-back Clement Lenglet from Atletico Madrid during the summer. The deal is structured as a one-season loan that triggers a mandatory contract extension, securing the defender in Lisbon until June 2029.

Born in Beauvais, France, the 31-year-old originally developed his talents within the AS Nancy youth academy. Lenglet brings a wealth of elite European experience to Portugal, having previously played for Nancy, Sevilla, Barcelona, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Atletico.

Benfica manager Marco Silva targeted the veteran Frenchman to reinforce the backline following the departure of captain Nicolas Otamendi. During the 2025–26 season with Atletico, Lenglet made 24 appearances (21 starts) across all competitions, recording one assist, seven yellow cards and one red card. 

Lenglet expressed immense pride in joining the project at Benfica and is eager to fight for silverware at his new home. 

Who is new Benfica midfielder Joao Palhinha

The Portuguese midfield general has officially come home. Joao Palhinha, the 31-year-old defensive powerhouse born in Lisbon, Portugal, completed a highly anticipated transfer to Benfica, signing a contract that keeps him at the Estadio da Luz until 2030.

Palhinha’s football journey is deeply rooted in the Portuguese capital. He began his senior career at rival academy Sporting, sharpening his elite defensive instincts through crucial development loans at Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga. Upon returning to Sporting, he anchored the midfield to secure the 2020–21 Portuguese League title.

 

His stellar domestic form earned him a £20 million move to the Premier League with Fulham in the summer of 2022, where he famously led the league's tackling statistics. Palhinha later brought his ball winning masterclasses to European giants Bayern Munich in 2024, helping them lift a Bundesliga title, before a subsequent loan spell to Tottenham. 

Now back where it all started, Palhinha is visibly thrilled to represent the Eagles. Expressing immense joy about returning to Portugal, he shared that nothing makes him happier than fighting for major silverware while celebrating those victories close to his family.