Title: Nicolás Otamendi: Latest Injuries at Benfica, Strain in Knee and Surgery Scheduled

In recent news, it seems that one of the key players for Benfica FC has been dealing with some sort of injury. Nicolás Otamendi, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe, was reported to have suffered a strain in his knee during training sessions on Sunday.

The injury was not immediately confirmed but it is expected to sideline the 27-year-old midfielder for several weeks. The exact nature of the injury remains unclear but it is likely that it will require surgery to repair.

This latest development comes just days after Otamendi announced his retirement from football. He made headlines earlier this year when he revealed that he had struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2018 which kept him out for more than two years.

Otamendi's decision to retire may come as a surprise to many fans and supporters of Benfica, who have been waiting for his return since his last game in 2020. However, the club has already started working on plans to replace him in the starting lineup.

The decision to bring in a new defender is seen by some as a positive sign, as they hope to fill the void left by Otamendi's departure. It is also worth noting that the team has already secured the services of a number of other defensive talents, such as Marcelo Bielsa and Pedro Dias.

It remains to be seen how the team will approach their preparations for the upcoming season, but the fact that Otamendi's injury is likely to sideline him for several months suggests that the club will need to make some changes to their squad in order to keep up with the demands of the Premier League.

Overall, while Otamendi's absence is likely to leave a hole in Benfica's defense, the club will certainly miss his presence on the pitch. With the right reinforcements and adjustments to the squad, however, there is every chance that they can bounce back and compete for top honours next season.