Benfica braced for Maxi absence
Monday, August 3, 2009
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SL Benfica will be without Maxi Pereira for their UEFA Europa League play-off on 20 and 27 August after the full-back underwent surgery on his right knee, ruling him out for up to two months.
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SL Benfica will be without Maxi Pereira for their UEFA Europa League play-off tie on 20 and 27 August after the right-back underwent surgery on his right knee, ruling him out for up to two months.
Eight-week absence
The 25-year-old Uruguayan international limped off during a 4-0 friendly win against Portsmouth FC on Saturday with a meniscus injury. In a statement, the club said: "Maxi Pereira underwent surgery this afternoon at the Sant'Ana Hospital in Parede on his right knee. The operation went well and from tomorrow the player will begin his functional rehabilitation. We estimate that the recovery time could extend to eight weeks."
Friday draw
Maxi has scored three Liga goals in 51 appearances since his arrival from Defensor Sporting Club in his homeland at the beginning of the 2007/08 season. Benfica will discover their opponents in the play-off round when the draw is made at 13.30CET on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.
