Vitória Confident in Benfica Despite Key Players’ Absence

Benfica’s head coach, Rui Vitória believes his team can cope without the assistance of their defender Luisao and attacking midfielder Gaitan. Luisao and Gaitan will not be able to play along their team mates against Kazakh club, Astana, but their coach appears to be firmly set on winning without the two key players. Recently, Vitória revealed he remains confident Benfica can qualify for the Champions League.

On November, 21st, The Brazilian Luisao sustained a serious injury during the extra-time of the Taca de Portugal clash between Benfica and rival team Sporting CP, which took place at Estadio Jose Alvalade. Benfica lost the game to Sporting with 2 to 0.

The defender fractured his elbow and will not be able to join the team for today’s match against Astana. After he was carefully examined by medical professionals, it was established a surgery was necessary. Luisao’s injury is bad news for Benfica, as he is the club’s longest serving captain. Since he joined the Primeira Liga team, Luisao has been featured in over 200 matches.

Another key player for the Portuguese side, Nicolas Gaitan, will also skip on the Astana clash. Some interpret his absence as yet another setback for Benfica, as Gaitan happens to be the team’s leading goalscorer. Gaitan was suspended after he received a second booking in the match against Galatasaray.

In addition, Benfica’s defender Nélson Semedo, sustained a serious injury in October. The osteochondral fracture of Semedo’s right knee caused him to undergo a surgery. He has no other option, but to remain in the sidelines until his full recovery in 2016. It is speculated coach Vitória is likely to replace him with André Almeida or Sílvio. Benfica’s right winger, Eduardo Salvio, is also sidelined due to a knee injury.

Despite the injuries, head coach Vitória is confident the team will enjoy more triumphs in their next fixtures. Vitória told reporters he hasn’t lost faith in his team yet. He is certain Benfica can cope regardless of the key players’ absence. In the beginning of the month, Vitória boldly stated that winning each game is part of “Benfica’s essence”. The head coach declared he and his players have a great respect for all of their opponents, but this fact does not influence their determination to win.

Vitória is not the only one who believes the team can cope without Luisao and Gaitan. Benfica’s midfielder, Pizzi, shares his head coach’s opinion. He recently acknowledged the importance of the two absent players, but commented there are twenty other players on the team and Benfica will do their best to remain on par without Gaitan and Luisao.