Benfica got some good news from the Rafa Silva injury front as the wingers recovery is going well and on schedule at this current time. Rafa who injured his middle adductor tendon in the clubs Champions League encounter against Lyon is responding positively to treatment but it is too early to tell when the 26 year old will return to competition. The medical staffs first assessment of the injury put Rafa back in action sometime in March but the medical staff are set to re-evaluate the injury by the end of next week hoping to get a more accurate return to action for the Portuguese International. This type of injury normally has a four month recovery time which would see Rafa in action with Benfica in February but Chiquinho suffered a similar injury earlier this season and returned in half the time which was two months. Injury recoveries tend to go on a case by case basis and Benfica's medical staff plan to follow all protocols to make sure that Rafa returns to action fully recovered.
Reports coming out of Turkey have Turkish club Besiktas ready to make a move for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes when the January transfer window opens. The 20 year old Gedson is signed with Benfica until the summer of 2023 and unless Benfica are willing to complete a loan move with Besiktas it is unlikely that the Turkish side would meet Benfica's €60M price point for their Seixal academy produced player. Gedson has already appeared in 56 games for the Eagles across all competitions after making his squad debut in a Champions League qualifier last August against Fenerbahce. Gedson has scored three goals and set up seven in his Benfica career to date.
Benfica are in talks with Academica for striker Derik Lacerda according to reports from Portugal. Benfica who are looking to reinforce their U23 squad and B squad, feel that the 20 year old Lacerda would be a welcome addition to their club. Lacerda has appeared in 9 games for Academica in between the Second Division and the U23 squad in the Liga Revelacao scoring once. Lacerda joined Academica from Brazilian side Resende during the off season.
