Benfica attacker could miss EL clash v Rangers – report
Benfica could be without Pedrinho for Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Rangers due to a left foot injury, according to O Jogo.
The former Corinthians attacker has made five appearances for the Lisbon club this season and was involved in both of Benfica’s first two Europa League group stage matches.
Benfica are also likely to be without full-backs Andre Almeida and Alejandro Grimaldo, as well on loan Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo (via Transfermarkt).
The matchup at the Estadio da Luz sees the two remaining unbeaten sides in group D face off against each other, with both sides looking to take another step towards qualification for the knockout stages.
Rangers beat Lech Poznan 1-0 last time out, with an Alfredo Morelos goal the difference, but will be without Jordan Jones and George Edmundson after they were suspended by the club for breaching lockdown protocols.
Both were yet to appear in the Europa League though, leaving boss Steven Gerrard plenty of options to choose from.
Chance to make a statement
While Pedrinho has not been a regular in the league for Benfica, he has impressed in the Europa League. In two appearances, including one start, he has completed on average two dribbles, one key pass and one shot per match, with an 88.9% passing accuracy (via WhoScored).
Therefore, his absence, in addition to the doubts over the fitness of Todibo, Almeida and Grimaldo, is a blow for the Lisbon-based side.
However, with the likes of Rafa Silva, Everton Soares and Gian-Luca Waldschmidt, they have plenty of creativity in their side, in addition to the experience of striker Haris Seferovic.
Rangers’ strength this season though has been their defence, with the Gers yet to conceded in the Europa League and having conceded just three times in 13 Scottish Premiership matches.
If they are able to continue that form, they will have a good chance of making a statement in Portugal, and further evidence of their quality this season under Gerrard.
In other Rangers news, Benfica injury concern ahead of clash v Rangers – report