Catching Up with Benfica

Last time Benfica was in action was on the 6th of October, 10 days later, much has happened in the Benfica Universe, here's a quick review of what has happened these past 10 days.


Let's start with what affects the team the most - injuries.

Reyes who had come out in the early minutes of the Leixoes clash, seems totally recuperated. Benfica's medical department feared the worst, but after several tests, Reyes injury was not as bad as expected, and the Spaniard has already made a full recovery and is currently training without limitations.

Very close to 100% is also David Suazo, who seems almost recuperated from the injury he suffered against Napoli in Benfica's first leg clash. The Honduran international participated in a full scrimmage against the junior team, and was even one of the goal scorers. Although he seems ready to go, Quique has already stated that both him and Reyes will not be part of the game roster for this weekend's Portuguese Cup game roster.

Aimar will also not be part of the this weekend's game roster, as he continues to recuperate from his muscular inflammation that has plagued him for the past weeks. He continues to undergo specific treatment, but should be available for Benfica's first game of the next phase of the UEFA Cup against Hertha Berlin.

David Luiz seems the slowest medical case for Benfica at this time, but the young Brazilian has made great progress and is very close to integrating squad training.

I've said it here once before that Benfica sells papers, and with the Liga Sagres stopped, a few news about Benfica players being on the outs surfaced.

Leo who was properly authorized by the club to travel to Brazil to be with his ill father for a few days, came forward to the media to deny the rumors that were published by a paper stating that he is unhappy with his current situation and is currently looking to leave.

Also in the media were rumors that Benfica might be receiving an offer from Panathinaikos for Luisao when the winter market opens up. There haven't been any confirmations or denials about the truth of this offer.
In my opinion, letting Luisao go would be a grave mistake by Benfica, regardless of how attractive the offer is.

In the media also were statements by Pedro Aldave, who is Cardozo's manager. Aldave claims that his client is ready to listen to offers if Benfica does not better his contract. The player has categorically denied any intentions of leaving the club, and reinforced his desire to stay at Benfica. If you're keeping track at home, Cardozo's contract is valid until 2011, and his rescission clause is somewhere around the 40+ million.


In happier news, Hassan Yebda was elected Liga Sagres' player of the month in September by the players union. Yebda beat out Sinei for the distinction.

Benfica has decided to participate in the Liga Intercalar. The Liga Intercalar is a small tournament that involves teams from Lisbon's Futebol Association. The competition is comparable to a reserve competition, where the less used players will have a chance to log in minutes and impress Quique. Expect Zoro, Mantorras, Moretto, Makukula, Fellipe Bastos, as well as some Juniors to get some major playing time in this competition.
Also part of this competition will be Belenenses, Estrela da Amadora, Mafra, Sporting and Torreense. The teams will play each other twice in a home/away format, the top 2 teams will advance to a quarter final with teams' from Porto's Futebol Association.
I've updated My Google calendar to include these games.


Finally, i wanted to apologize for the recent brief periods of inactivity in this blog, as I had some problems with my computer, which caused me to reformat my hard drives, losing all of the files and programs i had. Slowly but surely i am getting things back to normal. I am looking forward to seeing Benfica in action again, as an important period for Benfica's season aspirations approaches.