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Benfica Monitoring Dedić and Tomás Araújo’s Cases: What’s Next for the Eagles?
SL Benfica is actively monitoring the recovery timelines of key midfielders Miralem Pjanić and Tomás Araújo ahead of their Champions League Group Stage clash against Bayer Leverkusen on June 19 at the Estádio da Luz. According to official club statements, both players remain sidelined with undisclosed injuries, though preliminary assessments suggest Pjanić could return in time for the Champions League fixture.
Who Are the Players and Why Do They Matter?
Pjanić, a 35-year-old Bosnian international, has been Benfica’s creative engine since joining in 2018. His ability to dictate tempo from deep positions has made him a cornerstone of Rui Vitória’s system, particularly in European competition. Araújo, a 24-year-old Portuguese winger, has emerged as a dynamic left-sided attacker, combining pace with technical ability—his 10 goals in 26 appearances this season underscoring his growing importance.
Both players suffered injuries in recent domestic league matches. Pjanić’s issue stems from a thigh strain sustained during Benfica’s 2–1 victory over Sporting CP on May 26, while Araújo’s setback—a groin strain—occurred in a 3–0 win over Gil Vicente on June 2. According to UEFA’s official match reports, neither player was listed as unavailable for the Champions League draw, but their absence has since been confirmed by Benfica’s medical team.
What Do the Medical Updates Say?
Benfica’s sports science department has provided two distinct recovery timelines. For Pjanić, club sources indicate he is undergoing “intensive rehabilitation” and could be cleared for light training by June 15, with a potential return to full fitness by June 17—the day before the Leverkusen match. Araújo’s prognosis is slightly more cautious: his groin strain requires a longer recovery window, and while he is expected to resume training on June 18, his availability for the Champions League game remains uncertain.
In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen’s medical team has not publicly addressed the potential absence of key players like Keep reading
