Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that Javi Garcia will take no part in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Basel.
The former Spain Under-21 international hurt his right leg in a practice session earlier in the week and was forced to sit out Saturday’s 2-1 league victory against Olhanense.
It was expected that Garcia would recover in time for the match against the Swiss side, but Jorge Jesus indicated he is not counting on the Spaniard for the game.
“Javi will not have enough time to recover, I am almost sure,” the coach told the press after the victory against Olhanense.
The 57-year-old then praised Nemanja Matic, who will deputise in midfield, saying: “Matic and Rodrigo were the players who were at a higher level against Olhanense.”
“Matic was the man of the match.”
Benfica are at the top of Group C in the Champions League, with seven points from three games, and defeated Basel 2-0 away earlier in the month.
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