Benfica is urgently working to ensure the availability of key players Georgiy Sudakov and Vangelis Pavlidis for a crucial Champions League match against Ajax next week, amidst a demanding fixture list and recent injury concerns.
The Portuguese club expects both players to be ready for the November 25 away game against Ajax, a pivotal match in the Champions League group stage.
Their potential return comes as Benfica also prepares for a domestic cup clash against Atlético on Friday, November 22. Participation in that game will depend on coach José Mourinho’s tactical decisions.
Sudakov, 23, a midfielder, was reportedly suffering from muscular overload in his left hip, a diagnosis from Benfica that contrasted with Ukrainian national coach Serhiy Rebrov’s earlier description of a “grave” injury.
Despite Rebrov’s comments, the club maintained that Sudakov’s problem was not severe enough to prevent him from playing.
Forward Pavlidis, 26, underwent tests that revealed trauma to his left knee after being substituted during a Greece versus Scotland match.
Both players have been released from international duty and are now recovering with Benfica’s medical staff.
The Ajax game is part of a challenging sequence of three away matches in eight days, which includes the cup game against Atlético and a league fixture against Nacional.
This busy period precedes a significant derby against Sporting, scheduled for December 5.
Benfica’s main squad resumed training on Wednesday, with international players gradually rejoining as their national team commitments conclude.
Midfielder Ríchard Ríos is expected to be the last to return, following Colombia’s match against Australia early Thursday morning.