Prestianni has appeared in seven games for Benfica this season across all competitions but he has yet to find the scoresheet in his 275 minutes of action with no goals or any helpers during his time on the field. The 18 year old could miss 5 competitive games for Benfica and the club will assess the injury over the next few weeks.
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.
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.
