Vasco is preparing for the confrontation against Criciúma this Saturday (27), at 4 pm, at São Januário, for the fourth round of the 2024 Brazilian Championship.
The club from Rio de Janeiro is seeking to recover after two consecutive defeats and harbors the hope of being able to count on the return of Dimitri Payet, who has not yet played in the competition due to an injury to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee.
READ MORE
++ Gabigol case – how will the Flamengo forward’s trial be?
++ Fluminense: Marcelo compares John Kennedy to Ronaldo and Romário
++ Di María at Internacional? Rumors and speculation stir up the football market
An absence that continues to weigh
The absence of the number 10 shirt has been felt by the team led by Ramón Díaz, especially in the midfield, where Payet is usually a key piece in creating plays and organizing the team. Since his injury, the Argentine coach has been looking for alternatives to build a balanced team, both defensively and offensively.
In addition to Payet’s injury, Vasco has also had to deal with the absence of Gary Medel, who was released to visit his mother in Chile, who is in serious health condition. The defender’s return to Rio de Janeiro and his participation in the training sessions are reasons for optimism for the team, as with Medel on the field, Vasco has not conceded goals in the Brasileirão.
However, the great expectation lies in the return of Dimitri Payet. The Frenchman has already started the transition phase after the injury and has been training with the ball at the Moacyr Barbosa CT. The full week of training can represent a significant advance in his recovery, but the player will be re-evaluated daily to determine his condition for the game against Criciúma.
Not 100% yet
Despite the progress in training, Payet is still not fully recovered and felt pain in his knee during one of the sessions, according to information from the site ge.
The club from Rio de Janeiro adopts a cautious stance regarding the return of the 37-year-old midfielder and understands that it is essential that the player be completely free of pain before returning to the field.
Ramón is confident
Coach Ramón Díaz expressed optimism about Payet’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of the player to the team and the competence of the club’s professionals in the player’s rehabilitation process.
The Argentine coach highlighted the dedication of Vasco’s physiologists and physical trainers in caring for injured players.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
The first, second and third episodes are available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for the upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
