Benfica struggling at the back
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Article summary
SL Benfica have a defensive crisis ahead of Tuesday's third qualifying round trip to FK Austria Wien, after losing full-backs Léo and Alcides to injury.
Article body
SL Benfica have a defensive crisis for Tuesday's trip to FK Austria Wien in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
Muscle injuries
Full-backs Léo and Alcides were both hurt in training sessions over the weekend, picking up leg muscle injuries that will prevent them making the journey to Vienna for the first leg. Fernando Santos, the Benfica coach, has only Anderson, Ricardo Rocha, Nelson and Luisão fit to play. Further forward, Fabrizio Miccoli was already out while Simão Sabrosa will not travel as he continues to be linked with a transfer abroad. The winners of the Benfica-Austria tie will progress to the UEFA Champions League group stage next month.