Brazilian defender Jardel has returned to training for Benfica, as Jorge Jesus looks to replace the suspended Luisao.
The skipper, who has been an integral part of the defence this season, was given his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Vitoria Guimaraes and is thus going to be out of the next game due to suspension.
Coach Jorge Jesus has a plethora of options he can choose instead of the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cruzeiro-c38870 man, with Miguel Vitor and Jardel both in contention.
Luisao’s partner http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ezequiel-Garay-c13071 has also been very impressive this term and has wholly justified his acquisition from Real Madrid. His solidarity at the back has been one of the main reasons why Benfica find themselves on top of the Primeira Liga and in
the knock out rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
However without his fellow South American, the Argentine faces a tough task against Academica. Jorge Jesus has already called up Jardel and the former Olhanense man was tested in training to see whether he would be able to form a decent understanding with
Garay.
The 25-year-old signed for the Eagles last year and has since then made 14 appearances for his new club. Although a consistent performer, he faces competition from Miguel Vitor for a place in the starting eleven.
After arriving from his Leicester City loan spell, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitor-c36281 was immediately drafted into the Estadio da Luz first team and is regularly used when Garay and Luisao are injured or are being rested for bigger games.
Having proved his worth during his time in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus.
The tactician has utilized the 22-year-old more than http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jardel-c17889, which could be a sign of things to come.
With their loss against Vitoria Guimaraes, Benfica have allowed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 to gain foothold in the title race and will need to come up with nothing other than three points at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra if they are to maintain their position.
However without their influential captain, the task will be even more arduous and his replacement will be in for a tough day at the office.
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