Leonardo Jardim explains Sinistra’s appointment to Cruzeiro: “I’m trying to rehabilitate him”

The Sinisterra striker has once again become a recurring figure in the Cruzeiro squad. After all, he has played in Raposa’s last five matches in the Brazilian championship. Last Saturday (29), the player replaced Arroyo, in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Ceara, in Castelao, and was the subject of the team’s press conference. Coach Leonardo Jardim.

The Portuguese captain spoke about signing the striker, who arrived on a season-long loan from English club Bournemouth, with an option to buy. Leonardo Jardim said that it was only possible to include him due to the player’s injury history in the past two seasons. Now the goal is to get it back.

“Our plan was always very clear from the beginning. There was only the possibility of bringing Sinistera to Cruzeiro because, in the last two years, he had a lot of problems and our strategy was to bring a good player who had a lot of problems and try to rehabilitate him. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Jardim also said he knew the first months would be about adapting to Brazilian football. The aim is for the striker to play at another level in 2026.

“We knew that this year was going to be a year of adaptation, intensity and playing, and next year, we hope that Cruzeiro can expect him to perform at another level. It’s as if the young players, Arroyo, Moraes, Prats, are young players who will have some opportunities this year, and then hopefully in the future they will be more involved.”

Sinistra played 11 matches for Cruzeiro

So far, Sinistra has played 11 matches for Cruzeiro, scoring two goals. In fact, he suffered two injuries – a groin strain and a muscle edema. When he was able to play again, he did not play the full 90 minutes, but was given rotation in each round of the Brazilian tournament. Against Ceara, he spent 50 minutes on the pitch and started for Cruzeiro.

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