Bruno Lage could still bring back a key player for Benfica v Tondela | OneFootball

Bruno Lage may promote Tomás Araújo's return to competition in Benfica - Tondela. The Portuguese coach still cannot count on one of the eagles' most important pieces from last season, but the same may happen this Saturday, August 23, in the game played at the Estádio da Luz, at 20:30.

Newspaper O Jogo reports that the player is already physically fit, after recovering from a muscle myalgia that kept him off the fields for some time. However, this fact does not guarantee the player's presence in Bruno Lage's chosen 11 to face Tondela.

Tomás Araújo has already trained with the team under Bruno Lage's orders for the past two weeks. In addition, he has also returned to competition, when he lined up for 45 minutes in the service of Benfica's B team, in a match against Leixões, counting for Liga 2.

Recall that Bruno Lage decided to leave Tomás Araújo out of the delegation that traveled to Istanbul, to face Fenerbahçe in the Champions League play-off. This may be an indication that the defender is not yet ready for the physical demands at the highest level, but with the recovery in full swing, the doubt for the match against Tondela remains.

In 2024/25, with Benfica's jersey, Benfica, Tomás Araújo – currently valued at 32 million euros – played in 44 games: 28 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 11 in the Champions League, three in the Taça de Portugal and two in the Taça da Liga. In the 3,640 minutes played within the four lines, the defender trained in Seixal made four assists.

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