Benfica suffers a setback as Ana Borges is ruled out due to a severe injury to her left knee
Portuguese Defender Ana Borges Joins Benfica, Faces ACL Injury Setback
Portuguese international defender Ana Borges has signed a two-season contract with SL Benfica, marking her return to the Primeira Liga after a brief stint with Sporting [1][3]. However, her debut for the Lisbon-based club may be delayed as she is set to undergo surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee [2].
Borges, a versatile lateral who has represented teams such as Prainsa Zaragoza, Atlético Madrid (both in Spain), Blue Heat (USA), Chelsea (England), and Sporting, as well as making 187 international appearances for Portugal, scoring 11 goals, will soon undergo surgery to repair the damage [4].
The injury occurred during the European Championship in Switzerland, and Borges has already started a long rehabilitation process with Benfica's Clinical Department [4]. Post-surgery, she will follow an extended rehabilitation regimen overseen by Benfica’s medical department, which is standard for ACL injuries and can take several months to a year for a full return to competition [4].
Despite the setback, Benfica has publicly expressed support and optimism for Borges' recovery [4]. Borges herself has taken to social media to express her gratitude for the support she has received and her determination to recover, stating, "I will come back stronger than ever!" [5].
In this transfer market, Benfica has also recruited Diana Silva, a former Sporting athlete who spent eight years at the Alvalade emblem [6]. Silva made her official presentation to Benfica a month ago [7].
This ACL injury is a significant setback, as it usually demands a careful and gradual recovery process combining physiotherapy, strength training, and gradual return to sport-specific activities. Borges will likely miss much of the 2025 season but will aim to return at full strength thereafter.
No additional information about the detailed stages of her rehab was specified, but given the nature of ACL injuries and Benfica’s medical care, a structured program is assured [4].
References:
- Benfica.pt
- Record.pt
- OLJ
- Benfica's Official Statement
- Borges' Social Media Post
- Benfica Recruit Silva
- Silva's Official Presentation
Notwithstanding the setback, Borges, despite missing most of the 2025 season, is determined to return at full strength post-rehab, following a structured fitness and physiotherapy program for her ACL injury under the care of Benfica's medical department. Due to her injury sustained during the European Championship, Borges will not be participating in sports, specifically football, in European leagues for an extended period.
