Marco Silva begins work at Benfica with six absent from the World Cup.

Surprising decision at the start of pre-season for Benfica: several players received clear instructions not to report to Seixal, while Marco Silva, newly appointed as head coach, began to outline the profile of the new squad. The absence of these key names, in contrast to the presence of thirty carefully selected athletes, promises to stir the market and reignite speculation about the immediate future of various prospects and figures at the club.

Benfica’s 2026/27 pre-season officially began this week, with Marco Silva taking the reins following the departure of José Mourinho. On the first day of training, six players were absent for unquestionable reasons: Tomás Araújo, Aursnes, Schjelderup, Richard Ríos, Lukebaki, and Dedic are all representing their respective national teams at the World Cup. However, what truly caught attention was the club’s direct order for other players not to attend the start of training in Seixal, including the more high-profile cases of Obrador and Henrique Araújo.

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The forced absence of these athletes cannot be seen as a mere administrative detail. The start of the season is always a crucial moment for defining the squad, and these decisions make it clear that Marco Silva intends to restructure the team according to his ideas and tactical needs. The exclusion of names like Henrique Araújo, who was once pointed out as one of the biggest promises to come out of Seixal, raises immediate questions about his integration into the club’s sports project or a possible departure in this transfer window. The same can be said for Obrador, who just a few months ago was seen as a viable alternative for the defensive flank.

This news is particularly important as it signals a paradigm shift in Benfica’s planning. The arrival of Marco Silva has brought a new methodology and a more selective approach, focused on immediate results. The club seems determined to avoid repeating past mistakes, betting on an early clarification of the squad and streamlining the processes for the departure of players who do not fit into the coach’s plans. For the fans, this strategy represents a sharp break from recent history, but also a promise of greater competitiveness and ambition.

According to sources close to the club, the message conveyed to the players has been unequivocal: only those who are in Marco Silva’s plans will have a place in this new era. Henrique Araújo, approached after a meeting with his agent, limited himself to stating: “The club has made a decision and I will respect it. I want to play and be happy, wherever that may be.” Obrador, for his part, used social media to leave an enigmatic message: “Not always are the choices ours, but the dedication will never be lacking.” These statements, made in the last 24 hours, reflect the uncertainty and frustration of the players in light of the new scenario being presented.

With the pre-season still in its early stages, the situation of absent players is set to dominate the current transfer market. The expectation is that both Henrique Araújo and Obrador, among others, could be placed on the market, either on loan or for a permanent transfer. For Benfica, this clarification will allow Marco Silva to work only with the players who truly fit his plans, avoiding distractions and quickly consolidating a core group to tackle all challenges in the 2026/27 season.

In the coming days, the management led by Rui Costa is expected to intensify contacts with domestic and foreign clubs, seeking solutions for the released players. The squad will thus be fine-tuned to the last detail, in a clear attempt to return Benfica to the top of national and European football. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting news and do not hide their desire to see a more personalized and ambitious team, ready to fight for all trophies.

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