Fredrik Aursnes was the big news at Benfica’s training this Wednesday morning, at the Benfica Campus, in Seixal, on the eve of the clash with Aarhus, in the 1st leg of the playoff for access to the regular phase of the Europa League.
The Norwegian player is therefore close to being part of the squad for tomorrow’s game at Estádio da Luz, after being absent from the first six official games of the new season.
Marco Silva has already assumed that Aursnes’ absence has had a relevant impact, showing himself, last Sunday, eager for the return of the Eagles captain.
Asked whether Dedic’s departure could mean that the Nordic would be an option for right-back, the Benfica coach was categorical: Aursnes’ place is in midfield.
“I don’t want to divert Aursnes to other positions. We are thinking of him in the center of the field”, guaranteed Marco Silva, in the preview of Casa Pia-Benfica.
Still on the morning training, note to Jaden Umeh, who continues to undergo treatment after a serious injury suffered against Flamengo, while Joshua Wynder continues in progressive integration.
Marco Silva will speak to journalists again in the early afternoon of this Wednesday, and will be expected in the press room from 3:30 pm to launch the data for the duel with Aarhus.
New central has arrived in Lisbon
Marco Silva’s good news doesn’t stop there, as Alessandro Circati also arrived in Lisbon this morning, getting closer to signing and reinforcing Benfica for 2026/27.
The young 22-year-old central defender, an Australian international but with dual Italian nationality, arrives from Parma, in exchange for 20 million euros, to resolve one of the most “urgent” issues in the Eagles’ squad.
António Silva’s departure to Bournemouth opened a vacancy in the group of central defenders that Marco Silva wanted to see filled. After Benfica made several contacts with several players, Circati was chosen, appearing very enthusiastic upon arriving in the Portuguese capital.
“It’s an incredible club. I know it has a great history and that it wants to win many titles”, he said upon arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport, in Lisbon.
The record against the Danish champion
Benfica is increasingly closer to securing a place in the regular phase of the Europa League, now missing Aarhus in the playoff, after eliminating the Swiss St. Gallen and the Scottish Hearts in the previous rounds.
This time, on the other side of the field will be the current champions of Denmark, with whom Benfica has had a history of several years. In four games against Aarhus, Benfica won three and drew another, the first in 1961 and the last dating back to 1987.
Now, almost 39 years later, there is another double duel between these two teams, the first taking place tomorrow night, Thursday, from 8pm. UEFA appointed Italian referee Marco Guida to judge the match in Luz.
(News updated at 11:58 am)
