Author: Dhruv Patil
Vasco da Gama will face Fluminense without right-back Gabriel Dias, who is still recovering from a grade 2 muscle injury in his right thigh. The match, scheduled for Saturday at Nilton Santos, is part of the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. Another setback for Vasco, who are already without Medel and Jair, who are suspended.
Gabriel Dias suffered the injury during the
1-0 win over Atlético-MG at the Maracanã on August 20th.
. He had entered the game in the second half, but had to leave the field after just 12 minutes. The club has not given a specific timescale for his return, but injuries of this nature usually require more than a month for full recovery.
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The injury is particularly worrying because Dias has just returned to the pitch after a year’s absence. He had already suffered a patellar tendon injury in his right knee, which required surgery. His last game before the recent injury was on July 31 last year, when he played in Vasco’s 1-1 draw with Chapecoense in the Série B.
Vasco’s medical department is being extremely cautious about Dias’ return. According to inside sources, the injury was described as “significant and major”, raising concerns about his physical condition and long-term availability. The coaching staff are currently improvising defender Robson at right-back. Puma Rodríguez, another option, is in decline and was not considered as a replacement, allowing Dias to remain on the bench for the time being.
Gabriel Dias, who is 29, has a contract with Vasco until the end of this year. His absence and the cautious approach to his recovery put additional pressure on the team as it navigates the Brazilian Championship. With the absence of key players and the uncertain return of Dias, Vasco will have to work hard to secure favorable results in their upcoming games, starting with the match against Fluminense.