Switzerland Day 1

Three hours after landing in Switzerland, Benfica was on the practice field for a training session. The training session was far from being a quiettraining session, as around 500 fans paid to see Benfica up close in their first training session in Swiss soil.
Right in the outskirts of Geneve, FC Meyrin's sporting complex was the chosen location for this week long mini camp, that will include Benfica's first two exhibition games against Switzerland's Sion and UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk.


For this camp Jesus called on the following players:

Keepers - Moreira, Quim and Moretto

Defenders - Patric, Shaffer, Maxi Pereira, Roderick Miranda(junior), Sepsi, David Luiz, Jorge Ribeiro, Sidnei, Miguel Vítor and João Pereira(junior)

Midfielders - Rúben Amorim, Aimar, Balboa, Fellipe Bastos, Urreta, Carlos Martins, Fábio Coentrão, Di María and Yebda;

Forwards - Cardozo, Mantorras, Nuno Gomes, Nélson Oliveira(junior) and Saviola.

Confederation Cup Champions Luisao and Ramires are still absent and properly authorized by the team. Luisao is enjoying a well deserved vacation period, while Ramires was in action this past Wednesday night for the Libertadores, as Cruzeiro traveled to Argentina and tied Estudiantes in the first of two legs final.

The biggest team news from the first day of camp are the first 3 injuries of the season. Sidnei, Balboa and David Luiz are all under the care of Benfica's medical department. Sidnei complained about a muscular problem at the end of last week and has been trying to nurse that injury, he warmed up with the team but was limited to light jogging and specific exercises for the remainder of the training session.
In a similar situation is David Luiz, who has been reported of suffering from a myalgia. Luiz also warmed up with the team, but was under the care of Benfica's physio for the rest of the training session.
Balboa on the other hand, didn't even step on the training pitch as his presence was merely as an observer. Balboa is currently suffering from an Achilles heel tendon injury to his right foot, and did specific work and treatment at the hotel, before making his way to the Stade des Arberes to watch the rest of the squad work out.

JJ has announced 3 a days for the remaining of the mini camp, with the exception falling on game days off course, here's the schedule for thursday's training session:

8.00 h. Brief training session with emphasis on endurance running at the Stade des Arberes, closed to the media and public.

10.30 h. Second Training session, also closed to the public and media.S

5.45pm Press conference with a player yet to be designated.

6.00pm h. Third training session open to fans and the media.

For more pictures of the training complex click here

PS - If any readers from Switzerland want to send pictures of the training sessions and of the surrounding atmosphere in general during this mini camp, they can email them to fumasslb at gmail.com, and i will be sure to post them up.