Gazzetta dello Sport published an article warning Benfica about the possibility of Luka Modric starting the opening Europa League match on the substitutes' bench. The Italian newspaper highlights the difficulties that the experienced Croatian midfielder has been experiencing recently.
Modric, who is already 39 years old, has seen his starting position questioned at Real Madrid, the club he represents. The Italian publication points out that the Croatian player may not be in the best physical and technical condition at this start of the season.
Benfica is mentioned as a club watching the situation closely, although the article does not specify whether there is concrete interest from the encarnados in the player. The possibility of Modric starting on the bench comes at a time when the player is looking for competitive rhythm.
The emphasis given by Gazzetta dello Sport to Modric's situation comes in the context of preparations for the Europa League, a competition in which Benfica may eventually face Real Madrid in other stages of the tournament.
