Not even Cristiano Ronaldo or Sergio Ramos. In the 2013/14 season, Ángel Di María was named the MVP of the Champions League final against Atlético de Madrid, held in Da Luz, which led to the Tenth European Cup for Real Madrid. However, tomorrow, he will not be available for the round of 16 match between Benfica and Barcelona.

Di María's Constant Muscle Issues

Muscle problems have always been a constant throughout Ángel Di María's career, and at 37 years old, having just turned that age in February, they continue to hinder him at this stage. This season alone, he has suffered four muscle injuries. None, however, had kept him out of more than one match until the most recent one, which he contracted 20 days ago.

The issues date back to the first leg against Monaco in the Champions League playoffs, where Di María came on as a substitute due to minor muscle problems… and had to be substituted before the final whistle. Since then, he has missed the last four matches, during which Benfica managed three victories and one draw against Monaco in the second leg.

Bruno Lage Confirmed Di María Won't Play Against Barcelona

In recent days, the medical staff of Benfica did everything possible to ensure Di María would be available for the match against Barcelona. However, Bruno Lage confirmed in a press conference that he will not be available after failing to participate in the last training session before the match. It won’t be the only notable absence for Benfica, as Florentino Luis will also not be present to accompany Aursnes in midfield.

During this period, while Di María has been unavailable to play for Benfica, Bruno Lage has experimented with different options. In the first few matches, he moved Karem Aktürkoglu to the right wing so that the young Schjelderup could find a place in the lineup. However, in recent matches, he has opted to give the chance to Bruma, who was signed from Sporting Braga in the last winter transfer window.