Spanish pass-master set to return for Benfica
La Roja International Javi Garcia will be back in the starting eleven after returning from injury. The 25-year-old’s composure on the ball and passing skills were sorely missed against Zenit St Petersburg, who came out on top in the UEFA Champions League
clash after scoring a late winner.
The former Real Madrid had been ruled out of the European tie with physical problems but still hasn’t managed to overcome them yet. However he has since then resumed training and is close to regaining full fitness.
Benfica have missed their influential midfielder quite a bit, as they have lost three games in which he did not play. Jorge Jesus utilized Nemanja Matic in Garcia’s absence, but the former Chelsea man cannot be relied upon every week.
Luckily for the Lisbon giants, Garcia will be raring to go after missing several games and should be in contention for a starting berth against Academica on the 26th of February.
Pereira to feature for Uruguay
Benfica wingback Maxi Pereira’s efforts this season have been rewarded with a place in the Uruguayan National team. Manager Oscar Tabarez famously guided the South American side to the semi-finals of the World Cup and is currently preparing a new team to
lift silverware in the future.
With the likes of Alvaro Pereira and Luis Suarez in the ranks, Uruguay have the potential to be World-Champions, but for the time being they take on less illustrious opponents in the shape of Romania in Bucharest.
Tabarez has called a host of players for the friendly including Maxi Pereira, who has been a pivotal figure for Benfica this campaign. A first-choice starter, he has made no mistake in establishing himself as a constant threat down the right flank and is
also well known for his defensive capabilities.
The Eagles will see the defender leave the helm temporarily and return only two days before the Primeira Liga clash with FC Porto on the 4th of March. While he could feature for the Portuguese side in the Clasico, it remains to be seen who deputizes
for him while he is on duty with the Sky Blue.