Julian Draxler was absent from Benfica Lisbon’s line-up on Tuesday. The international is also likely to be unavailable for the Portuguese record champions.
According to Portuguese media reports, Draxler suffered an injury to the back of his left thigh during Benfica’s 1-0 win over double winners FC Porto last weekend. The 29-year-old faces a break of around two and a half weeks.
Draxler has been playing for SL Benfica on loan from PSG this season, but his start has been bumpy. So far, he has only played the full distance once in the national league, being substituted three times and twice. He has made three appearances in the Champions League so far. Benfica qualified early for the round of 16 by beating Juventus Turin 4:3 in group H.
Draxler is said to be on the provisional list for the 2022 World Cup, which national coach Hansi Flick and the DFB submitted to FIFA on Monday, according to information from Bild. Only players on this list can be selected for the maximum 26-player World Cup squad. Flick will announce his squad on 10 November.
