Porto Confirm Fofana and Nehuen Perez Out for Benfica Clásico
FC Porto will be without Fofana and Nehuen Perez for Sunday’s O Classico against Benfica after both players missed training with physical problems.
Francesco Farioli confirmed the absences before the Estadio do Dragao showdown, with top spot in the Primeira Liga on the line ahead of a two-week international break. Porto’s coach wants his side locked on its own display rather than the noise surrounding the fixture.
Quick facts
- Fofana and Nehuen Perez are unavailable after missing training.
- Porto host Benfica at the Estadio do Dragao on Sunday.
- A Porto win would secure outright leadership of the Primeira Liga before the break.
- Farioli has called for a brave, front-foot performance from his players.
- The coach wants a fair game and has dismissed discussion around recent refereeing controversy.
Farioli urged Porto supporters to drive the team forward in a match that could set the early title pace. He wants an aggressive response from his players against their biggest domestic rivals, despite the missing personnel.
The Italian also rejected the growing debate around officiating decisions. He said the club would not add to the public fallout, comparing last week’s coverage to a drama series being played out on television.
“We will not fuel it,” Farioli said. “That noise is behind us. Our attention has to be on tomorrow, and we hope the match is fair.”
Attention has also turned to international selection stories involving Santiago Gimenez’s Mexico call-up, plus Alberto Costa and Andre Silva missing out. Farioli dismissed the wider narratives and said his priority is for Porto to earn recognition through performances on the pitch.
He pushed back against suggestions that his team are cautious or passive, insisting Manchester City are the only side to have controlled a match against Porto during his time in charge.
“I do not want newspaper or television headlines,” he said. “I want acknowledgement for the level of our performances. We must play with courage and take the initiative.”
Benfica’s midfield movement and rotations will demand tactical discipline, Farioli warned. Porto now have one final task before the pause: turn their home advantage into three points and sole possession of first place.
