Monday, October 14, 2024

Renato Sanches, remember him? He is set to return from injury

After a tough battle with a muscle injury that kept him out for more than a month, Renato Sanches is back in training with Benfica. This news brings hope to fans and teammates alike. But the real question lingers: how long can he stay fit this time?

Sanches has had a rocky road with injuries throughout his career. It’s like trying to catch a butterfly with a net that has holes in it—no matter how hard he tries, something keeps slipping through. His latest muscle injury sidelined him, making it tough for him to contribute to the team.

Returning to Benfica feels like a comeback story waiting to happen. Sanches has always had the skills that shine bright on the field. He can dribble, pass, and shoot, making him a key player for the team. Benfica, known for its rich history and passionate fans, could be the perfect stage for him to show what he's got.

But will he be able to stay in the game long enough to make an impact? Every time he steps onto the pitch, there’s a shadow of doubt about whether he can remain injury-free. It’s similar to a tightrope walker; one wrong move, and it could all come crashing down.

Injuries have nagged Sanches like an unwelcome guest. His constant setbacks raise eyebrows and cause concern among fans and coaches, which brings his reliability to the squad in question. Sanches has appeared in only two games this season, both as a substitute.

As Sanches resumes training, fans hope this time will be different. With proper conditioning and care, he might just find a way to keep his body in check. But the lingering question remains: is this a fresh start, or just another chapter in a story of struggles?

Benfica fans are eager to see how Sanches will perform and whether he can shake off his injury woes. If he can find that balance between pushing himself and listening to his body, he might just turn the tide.

Sanches is hoping to get into action this upcoming weekend when Benfica enters the Taca de Portugal competition and face Pevidem in third round action.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Benfica's potential opponents in the Club World Cup

Benfica Blog
This upcoming summer's Club World Cup in the United States which will feature 32 clubs is all but set with only two spots yet to be determined as clubs from around the globe via to be named the best club in the world through the first time competition.

The tournament will follow the same type of schedule and format as the World Cup. It will feature eight groups of four clubs and take place over a four week span, kicking off on June 15, 2025 with the Final taking place at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025. 

Benfica are one of two Portuguese clubs taking part in the tournament with northern rivals FC Porto also qualifying for the competition through a point system as one of the eight best clubs over the past four seasons outside of Champions League winners. The group stage draw will take place on December 2024.

These clubs have qualified for the tournament:

UEFA (12): BENFICA, FC PORTO, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Salzburg. 

CONMEBOL (6): Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, River Plate, Boca Juniors, 2024 Copa Libertadores Winer

CONCACAF (5): Monterrey, Seattel, Leon, Pachuca, Host MLS Club

CAF (4): Al Ahly, Wydad, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis

AFC (4): Al-Hilal, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain, Ulsan

OFC (1): Auckland City  

The remaining spot through CONMEBOL will be known at the end of the month and will go to either Botafogo, Atletico Mineiro or Penarol depending on who wins the competition, if River Plate are to win the competition then the final spot will go to Olympia.

The remaining spot through CONCACAF will be given to a host club which will come from the MLS. Rumour has it that Inter Miami will be given the final spot for capturing the Supporters Shield during this regular season. The spot could also go to the MLS Champion which will be decided in early December. 

Although not official, the tournament is said to be set to award each competing club €50M for appearing with the eventually winner taking home over €100M in prize money.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Benfica may look to add another Turkish player to squad

Benfica Blog
With the success of the last minute transfer move this summer for Turkish winger Kerem Akturkoglu and the return to form of midfielder Orkun Kokcu with the change of managers at the club, Benfica now have their eyes set on another Turkish player, this time it being Fenerbahce midfielder Ismail Yuksek.

Benfica is looking to strengthen their midfield and the move is expected to take place when the winter transfer window opens in January. Yuksek has been with Fenerbache since the summer of 2020. Although the 25 year old spent loan spells at Turkish sides Adana Demirspor and Bursaspor before becoming a main squad player during the 2022-23 season.

Benfica manager Bruno Lage would like to add a defensive midfielder to the squad in the mold of Florentino, which the club currently lacks at this time. Reports out of Portugal suggest that the club is open to paying €10M for the services of Yuksek when the transfer window opens.

Yuksek is under contract with Fenerbahce until the summer of 2027 and has appeared in 91 games for the club across all competitions, scoring twice while providing seven helpers. Yuksek has also been a regular member of the Turkish national side since 2022 and was a member of this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.