Benfica manager assures Vlachodimos is starting keeper

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus surprised many today when he made the decision to start keeper Helton Leite over normal starter Vlachodimos in a crucial Europa League encounter against Rangers. The Benfica boss assured the clubs faithful that Vlachodimos will be back between the posts when the club takes on Maritimo in Week 10 action on Monday. Jesus felt that Leite's recent start in the Taca de Portugal against Paredes was not a real test for the keeper and since he is unfamiliar with Leite, he felt that the Rangers encounter would be an ideal test for Benfica's current back up. Jesus also added that even if Leite was the best player on the field today, Vlachodimos would be back in net against Maritimo. Benfica added Leite during the summer window after being linked with the 30 year old keeper for some time.

Benfica in crisis as nine players out of Europa League

Benfica are in crisis mode as a total of nine of the clubs players are set to miss their Europa League encounter against Rangers on Thursday with a mix of injuries and illness. Manager Jorge Jesus is scrabbling to piece together a squad by adding some of the clubs B team players to the main roster. Benfica will be without Darwin Nunez, Julian Weigl and Taarabt all due to COVID-19 as the trio have all tested positive for the virus. The club also have Andre Almeida, Nuno Tavares, Todibo and Pedrinho out of action with injuries, while center back Otamendi is out of action due to red card received during their last meeting against Rangers. Benfica are also unable to use the services of midfielder Samaris due to the fact that the club did not register him as an option for the Europa League competition. Benfica look set to start a strike combo of Seferovic and Waldschmidt for the first time this season when the club travels to Glasgow and expect team captain Jardel to play along side Vertonghen in the center of the back four. Benfica take on Rangers Thursday at 8pm WEST in the battle for top spot in their group.

 

Benfica linked to Famalicao defensive midfielder once again

Benfica are once again linked to Famalicao's defensive midfielder Goncalo Assuncao, as they look to strengthen their defensive play in the back end. Some may be wondering why the club is looking at a position that they had someone in place to play the role before loaning him out, in Florentino Luis but current club manager Jorge Jesus is not only looking for a defensive midfielder but one that can form one half of a midfield pair in which he felt Florentino was not capable of doing. Assuncao has also been linked with FC Porto and French side Nice and is the son of former FC Porto midfielder Paulo Assuncao and has a contract with Famalicao until the summer of 2025. Assuncao also has a €50M buy out clause that will make any negotiation difficult for any of the interested parties but Jesus has asked club President Vieira to make Assuncao a priority come January.