As with the previous season, Benfica kept struggling with player injuries. On 17 June, Álex Grimaldo did not take part in Spain's squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship due to a "little injury" resulting in him missing the start of Benfica's pre-season. Nine days after signing with Benfica, Krovinović underwent surgery on 23 June to correct a left inguinal hernia. He was one of three players absent from the squad who travelled to Switzerland, along with Luisão (right knee injury) and Eduardo Salvio (right tibiotarsal sprain). André Almeida suffered a contusion on his right thigh, which prevented him from travelling to Algarve.