Benfica manager Jose Mourinho is grappling with a full-blown crisis as his team prepares to face fierce rivals FC Porto in Sunday’s highly anticipated O Clássico at the Estadio do Dragão. A sudden virus outbreak has swept through the Benfica camp, leaving several first-team players and even members of the coaching staff sidelined with illness.
According to Goal, a number of key figures in the squad are currently battling symptoms, raising doubts over Mourinho’s starting lineup for what is always one of the most pivotal fixtures in Portuguese football. The outbreak has spread quickly and even Mourinho himself has not been spared. The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United boss, who admitted earlier this week that he had been suffering from fever before the Champions League clash with Chelsea, had dismissed it as a minor flu. However, developments over the last 48 hours suggest that the problem is far more significant.
Players and staff are reportedly dealing with persistent headaches, body aches, and fatigue. While Benfica’s medical department is monitoring the situation closely, the uncertainty surrounding the availability of vital players has cast a shadow over the team’s preparation. The situation is further complicated by Benfica’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in midweek, which added pressure on Mourinho and his men to respond positively in the domestic arena.
The timing of the outbreak could hardly be worse. Porto sit just above Benfica in the Primeira Liga standings, and victory in Sunday’s derby could have major implications in the title race. Losing multiple starters for such a crucial contest could not only dent Benfica’s chances of winning but also deal a psychological blow to the squad as they navigate an intense run of fixtures in both the league and Europe.
Mourinho is known for his ability to rally teams under difficult circumstances, but this latest challenge may prove to be one of the most testing moments of his tenure so far. With squad depth already stretched due to injuries, the virus outbreak risks forcing him into drastic changes, relying on fringe players and academy talents in a match where experience is often key.
For Benfica fans, concern is mounting over how the team will cope in the face of such adversity. The derby with Porto is always high stakes, often deciding momentum in the season and shaping the trajectory of the league campaign. A defeat under these conditions could create further pressure on Mourinho, who has already come under scrutiny following recent setbacks.
As of Saturday, no official statement has been made on exactly how many players are affected, but inside sources suggest the number could be significant enough to leave the squad threadbare. The club’s medical team is working tirelessly to manage the situation, though recovery timelines remain uncertain.
Sunday’s O Clássico was already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Portuguese football calendar, but the drama off the pitch has now added another layer of intrigue. The spotlight will firmly be on Mourinho as he attempts to navigate a health crisis within his squad while preparing for one of the most hostile and challenging away days in European football.
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