Feyenoord Injury Boost For Champions League Match Against Benfica

Feyenoord received a timely boost as defender Hugo Bueno has been cleared to travel with the squad to Portugal for their Champions League match against Benfica.

The 22-year-old loanee from Wolverhampton Wanderers sustained a heel injury during Saturday’s Eredivisie match against Go Ahead Eagles, raising doubts about his availability. However, Bueno has been included in the 21-man squad flying out on Tuesday, easing concerns for Feyenoord ahead of their pivotal European clash.

Feyenoord will face Benfica on Wednesday at the Estádio da Luz, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 local time. In addition to the first-team squad, the Feyenoord Under-19 side will also make the journey to Portugal to compete in the UEFA Youth League match against Benfica’s youth team on Wednesday afternoon.

Despite the good news surrounding Bueno’s recovery, Feyenoord still has several key players sidelined through injury. Santiago Giménez, Quilindschy Hartman, Bart Nieuwkoop, Calvin Stengs, and Gjivai Zechiël are all unavailable, posing a significant challenge for coach Brian Priske’s squad depth.

Priske, reflecting on Feyenoord’s last encounter with Benfica, remains cautious yet determined. “It wasn’t a good experience for us,” he said, recalling the 5-0 defeat in the Eusébio Cup, a pre-season friendly. “But we know Benfica is a great team, and they have shown their quality with 6 points already in the Champions League.”

See you in 🇵🇹! #UCL pic.twitter.com/Wpg0GhfWBn

— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) October 22, 2024

While acknowledging the calibre of their Portuguese opponents, Priske expressed confidence in Feyenoord’s ability to create opportunities in Lisbon. “We know it will be difficult, but I believe in my team. We want to play our football, and you never know what can happen.”

Site Opinion

Feyenoord’s decision to include Hugo Bueno in their squad is a positive development, especially considering the team’s injury woes. Bueno’s defensive capabilities will be vital against Benfica, one of Europe’s strongest attacking sides. While the absence of key players like Santiago Giménez and Calvin Stengs remains a concern, Priske’s belief in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion is encouraging.

Looking ahead, Feyenoord faces an uphill task, but a strong team performance could offer a much-needed boost for their Champions League campaign. With key players out, tactical discipline and defensive solidity will be essential to ensure that the Dutch champions remain competitive in Lisbon.