De Tomas' struggles continue at Benfica Liga NOS Left out of two straight matchday squads

Raul de Tomas became Benfica's second most expensive signing last summer when they paid 20 million euros for him, but on Saturday afternoon he was, once again, left in the stands.

IIt's the second game in a row that he's been left out of the matchday squad since joining, and it's looking like Bruno Lage has no place for the Spaniard in his plans.

The coach has just renewed for four years at the club as well, making De Tomas' situation troubling.

De Tomas is yet to score a league goal this season, despite starting in each of the first six games.

Carlos Vinicius is the league's top scorer with ten and he netted again this weekend, which is one of the reasons minutes have been hard to come by for the former Real Madrid player.

The Spanish striker hasn't appeared since December 3 in a cup game against second-tier Covilha.

Benfica recorded an 11th consecutive win on Saturday without De Tomas and stay seven points clear at the top.