Saviola blow for Benfica

(GSM) – Portuguese giants Benfica will be without their star forward Javier Saviola when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in their Europa League return date.

The Argentina international, who has suffered a broken toe, is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks.

With his irresistible form, his services will be keenly missed by the Lisbon giants as they look to defend their 2-1 aggregate lead at the Merseyside.

And coach Jorge Jesus could also be without commanding centre-half Luisao, with the Brazilian currently nursing a knee problem.

The Samba star is determined to make the game at Anfield, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, and he believes that the Eagles have the ability to defend that lead in England.

“We have a really good chance to make the semi-finals,” he said.

“We had hoped to keep a clean sheet at home. That was not possible, but we showed our quality by hitting back against a side of Liverpool’s stature.

“I don’t think either side has an advantage, but Liverpool know they must score and the pressure could be too much for them.

“In this type of game, between two evenly matched sides, anything could happen but I believe it will be us that books a place in the next round.”