Benfica's weekend was not all roses as midfielder Chiquinho looks to have suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh which will see him miss some time, while manager Roger Schmidt was given a straight red card by the match official after throwing back a water bottle into the home stands and will miss Friday's home game against Famalicao.
The Hungarian international has taken over as the regular starter with the Dutch side this season having appeared in 35 games across all competitions, while scoring three goals and adding six helpers. Kerkez joined Alkmaar from AC Milan in the winter of 2022 for a mere €2M but the deal included a right of first refusal option for the the Italian club who are able to match any offer Alkmaar receive for the left back.
Benfica's squad holds a host of Portuguese players and outside of the trio who had discussions with Martinez, Benfica also have Goncalo Guedes and Rafa Silva who have worn the Portugal jersey at one point or another and potential future squad member in Florentino Luis.
