Machado health worry overshadows Europa League clash

Nacional's players could struggle to focus their minds on Thursday night's Europa League tie against Werder Bremen as coach Manuel Machado is currently on a life-support machine in Funchal.

The 53-year-old was put into an induced coma at the weekend after reacting badly to an operation last week and doctors said on Wednesday that he was "critical, but stable."

Nacional, whose hopes of reaching the next round of the Europa League are slender anyway, will be led by assistant coach Jose Augusto at the Weser Stadion.

They need to win in Bremen and hope Austria Vienna beat Athletic Bilbao to remain in the competition ahead of the final round of matches later this month, while simply avoiding defeat would be good enough to book the Bundesliga side's place in the last 32.

And that should not be too difficult for Bremen, who come into the game boasting a 21-match unbeaten record.

"Of course it is positive that the team has successfully come through so many games," said coach Thomas Schaaf, who confirmed he intends to make several changes to his team.

"I have also got to keep those players who have not been playing so much on their toes because there are always players dropping out."

Germany international Mesut Ozil is one of the main candidates to be given a break while Naldo will not be risked due to a slight groin strain.

Torsten Frings, Per Mertesacker and Aaron Hunt have also been practically ever-present this season and could be rested, but Sebastian Prodl does not imagine the team will suffer from the changes.

"Everybody will want to prove that they are ready for the starting XI," he said.

"Also, the coach has a good feeling about which players he chooses and he does not pick a team to lose games."