Juan Bernat and Alexander Bah are expected to the only two Benfica players who miss the Europa League Round of 16 clash with Rangers in Lisbon due to injury.
Two of European football’s most historic sides are set to do battle once again in the Portuguese capital with a place in the Europa League Quarter Finals up for grabs.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has revealed that the Ibrox squad are nursing up to eight injury problems heading into the match with the club’s forward line in particular stretched to its limits.
But conversely there are only two Benfica players who are in line to miss the clash due to injury – and one of them might yet make the game.
Benfica duo Europa League injury doubts
Juan Bernat – inflammation of the pubic bone
Spanish left-back Juan Bernat has seen the last few years of his career devastated by injury and this campaign has been no different for the PSG loanee.
Having sustained an ACL injury back in back in September 2020, the problems have persisted over the last few years of the Spanish international’s career.
It was hoped a loan switch to Benfica for the ex-Bayern Munich left-back would restart Juan Bernat’s career but his time in Portugal has also been marred by injury.
Having suffered abductor muscle problems stemming all the way back to joining Benfica in September last year, the defender is now suffering from “inflammation of the pubic bone”.
It’s limited Juan Bernat to only six appearances and 245 minutes for Benfica, with the 30-year-old not seen since October.
The situation doesn’t say much about Rangers-linked alternative David Jurasek, who could barely get a game for Benfica before heading out to Hoffenheim.
Alternative options: Álvaro Fernández Carreras (on loan from Man United), Morato
Alexander Bah – foot injury
Having already missed three months this season due to a troublesome foot problem, Benfica right-back Alexander Bah has reportedly suffered a reoccurrence of the issue.
Rangers fans might remember the Danish international right-back from his time with Slavia Prague, the defender playing in that infamous Europa League shame game back in 2021.
But before any Rangers fans start looking at Benfica’s alternative options, it’s worth noting that the defender’s absence from the game is yet to be confirmed by the Portuguese giants.
Alexander Bah is regarded as one of the club’s best players and – amid £30m links to the Premier League – the defender’s absence was sorely felt in a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of FC Porto this weekend.
Having started the last four Liga Portugal matches before the clash with Porto, we’d keep an eye on this one as the lineups are announced later tonight.
Alternative options: Fredrik Aursnes
Rangers to face near injury-free Benfica
The injury problems of both sides are clearly in stark contrast but that will not be an excuse as Rangers rock up to face Benfica in the Estadio de Luz.
Whilst everyone wants to see both clubs with their best players available, Rangers are substantially more disadvantaged by the injury crisis enveloping the side.
As a result, Fabio Silva is probably nailed on to start in his return to Benfica whilst the club’s stretched forward line is also likely to include right-back Dujon Sterling.
Rangers too might be buoyed by the fact Benfica have lost their last two matches – to their two biggest rivals no less – with the pressure mounting on manager Roger Schmidt.
