Mateus Carvalho injures his knee during warm-up and leaves the field crying

The atmosphere of tension and concentration that precedes a championship decision turned into personal drama for a Vasco player on Wednesday evening (17). Minutes before the ball rolled for the first game of the Copa do Brasil final, at the Neo Química Arena, midfielder Mateus Carvalho injured his left knee during the warm-up. The scene of the athlete leaving the field in tears, supported by the club’s doctors, worried the technical commission and the Cruz-Maltina supporters present in Itaquera.

The incident occurred during a routine physical activity in preparation. According to field report reports, Mateus’ foot got stuck on the turf while he attempted to make a turning move. The body followed the movement, but the leg locked, forcing the knee joint in an unnatural way. The pain set in immediately and the player collapsed on the field, signaling that he would not be able to continue.

Mateus Carvalho’s emotional reaction highlighted the gravity of the moment or, at least, the immense frustration of being excluded from a historic match. The midfielder was unable to walk alone and needed the support of two members of the medical service to get to the dressing room crying profusely. The technical committee acted quickly and confirmed the removal of the athlete, who would appear as an option on the bench of coach Fernando Diniz.

Mateus Carvalho will be re-evaluated at the stadium

The absence of Mateus takes away an important element from Diniz for the second stage. The player generally intervenes to provide defensive support and renew the breath of the midfielder, essential elements in a truncated final. From now on, the coach will have to look for other tactical alternatives if he has to close the sector for the 90 minutes.

Vasco’s medical department immediately took a cautious approach. The player will undergo an initial reassessment at the stadium, but the precise diagnosis will depend on more detailed imaging tests, which the club will carry out in the coming days in Rio de Janeiro.

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