Adel Taarabt Nears Benfica Debut After Fitness Regime
Moroccan international Adel Taarabt is reportedly close to making his long-awaited debut for Benfica, following a strict training programme aimed at reducing his weight and improving fitness.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Portuguese champions earlier this year in a bid to revive his career after turbulent spells at Queens Park Rangers and AC Milan. However, he has yet to feature in an official match for Benfica, largely due to being deemed unfit at the time of his arrival.
According to Portuguese sports daily Record, Taarabt has made notable progress in recent weeks and is now just 1.5 kilograms away from reaching his ideal playing weight. If he continues on this trajectory, he could be included in the matchday squad for Benfica’s upcoming fixture against Belenenses on Friday, as part of the fourth round of Liga Sagres.
Sources within the club suggest that Taarabt’s attitude and work ethic have improved considerably since the start of the season. The coaching staff are said to be closely monitoring his condition and have been encouraged by his commitment to the tailored fitness plan.
Taarabt, once hailed as a generational talent, has struggled to find consistency in recent years. After impressing with QPR in the English Championship, he failed to adapt to the Premier League and endured a difficult loan spell at AC Milan. Benfica offered the midfielder a fresh start with a contract extending until 2020, but his future at the club was quickly thrown into doubt due to poor physical condition.
Now, however, there appears to be renewed hope. Club insiders believe that a fully fit Taarabt could add a creative spark to Rui Vitória’s squad, which is looking to defend its league title while competing on multiple fronts, including the UEFA Champions League.
Taarabt’s potential return to the pitch would be a major boost not only for Benfica, but also for the Moroccan national team, who are currently rebuilding their squad with an eye toward the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
His possible inclusion in Friday’s fixture is expected to be confirmed after the team’s final training session.
