Champions League: Benfica to face FC Barcelona without Ángel Di María and Florentino Luis

Terrible news for SL Benfica ahead of the first leg match of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 2024-25 against FC Barcelona.   The Lisbon team will have to face the Catalan team without two of their key players, right winger Ángel Di María and defensive midfielder Florentino Luis, both on the injured list.

This was confirmed by SL Benfica coach, Bruno Lage, who, in the pre-match press conference before the game against FC Barcelona, clarified that neither of the two players would be available for this encounter. He first addressed the 'Fideo's' situation, making it clear that they hope to have him back for the second leg match at Montjuïc. "I think the tie will be tight. Tomorrow's result will be important, but the return leg result will be decisive. Di María is not available for the game," he warned.

Ángel Di María in the 2024-25 season:

• Matches 🥅: 32
• Goals ⚽: 14
• Assists 👟: 8
• Minutes played ⌚: 2,152'

It is worth remembering that Ángel Di María suffered a left thigh muscle injury in the first leg match on February 12 in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 playoffs against AS Monaco (0-1). According to the Portuguese media outlet 'A Bola', based on the type of physical setback, a four-week recovery time was estimated. With this forecast, he is expected to be available for the return clash, always depending on how he feels.

Florentino Luis, another significant absence for Benfica against FC Barcelona

Regarding Florentino Luis's absence, Bruno Lage did not provide many explanations but made it clear that they have a player who will replace him in the starting eleven. "We have another player, I won't say who. The most important thing is that the team works as a unit, as a whole. Only then can we say that a specific player has had a great game if we play well as a team," he emphasized.

Florentino Luis in the 2024-25 season:

• Matches 🥅: 31
• Goals ⚽: 2
• Assists 👟: 0
• Minutes played ⌚: 2,394'

It is worth mentioning that the Portuguese midfielder is dealing with a left thigh muscle injury sustained in the match against Santa Clara (0-1) on February 15, with an estimated recovery time of three weeks, of which only two have passed. According to the prognosis, he is likely to be available for the return match at Montjuïc.

Bruno Lage welcomes back Renato Sanches

However, not all news is bad for Bruno Lage, as he receives a boost with the return of Renato Sanches, who had been sidelined since January 11 (right thigh muscle injury). It was not specified whether he will see playing time against FC Barcelona or not.