Squad and absences

Marco Silva named 24 players for the trip to Nicosia, where Benfica face Omonia in the third matchday of the Europa League league phase. Several regular starters are missing. Jhon Durán has a knee trauma, Leandro Barreiro a muscle problem, Daniel Banjaqui a thigh problem and Kaminski is recovering from a muscle injury. Enzo Barrenechea underwent knee arthroscopy, and goalkeeper Diogo Ferreira has a muscle overload in his right thigh, so six players stayed in Lisbon. Less familiar names made the list instead, including goalkeeper Arnas Voitinovicius and midfielders Tiago Freitas and Gonçalo Moreira.

Speaking at the Seixal training centre, Silva called the number of injuries high and said the team's competitive schedule would become much denser. He said the Omonia match is the most important one for the team at this moment, while the upcoming Primeira Liga game at Santa Clara also matters. Benfica will play almost every three days until the next international break, and Silva said some rotation will be unavoidable.

Echeverri and the coach's message

Silva confirmed that Claudio Echeverri will start, a decision that follows a period of work in which the Argentine improved his physical condition and learned more about the team's demands. Echeverri has taken his chances from the bench in recent games, and Silva said he showed personality. The coach also warned against complacency.

“We understand that names do not win games, nor the size of the clubs.”

Silva added that there is no room to relax at a club like Benfica and that he must prevent any drop in concentration. He pointed out that Omonia has also won its first two matches, against Celta de Vigo and Celje, and has not conceded a goal in the competition so far.

Omonia and Henning Berg

Omonia coach Henning Berg said his side is excited to play Benfica after two good results. He described the visitors as a strong side with a history among Portugal's top three clubs, adding that they beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.

“They are a top team, with many good players.”

Berg said Omonia expects to face a tough test and must be sound defensively, because Benfica are quick in attack and dangerous on the counter. He also argued that Benfica arrive fresher because they did not play last weekend. Berg expects Benfica to have more of the ball and said Omonia would look to make good use of transitions.

Match details and reactions

The match is scheduled for 20:00 Portugal time at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, with Belgian referee Jasper Vergoote in charge. Benfica arrive after a 2-0 win at AC Milan, coached by Rúben Amorim, and a 4-1 home win over Celtic at the Estádio da Luz. Benfica's president Rui Costa did not stop to speak to reporters at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport as the squad departed, but he said he felt confident about the trip.

“Very confident. I am very confident.”

Rui Costa declined to say whether Benfica are favourites to win the competition. Benfica have two wins from two league-phase matches, and a win in Nicosia would give them a third consecutive victory in the competition.