Vasco lose two starters for Fluminense Carioca semi-final | OneFootball

Vasco will be without Thiago Mendes and Philippe Coutinho for the Campeonato Carioca semi-final against Fluminense.

According to PaponaColina, Coutinho has terminated his contract and formally left the club, removing both quality and leadership from the group.

Mendes felt knee pain during the week at CT Moacyr Barbosa, and tests ruled out a serious issue. Even so, the medical department has vetoed his involvement, so he will miss the first leg on Sunday 22 and was cut from the squad. He left the training centre wearing protection on the affected knee.

The first leg is at 18:00 at Estádio Nilton Santos. The second leg will be on 1 March, also at 18:00, at Estádio do Maracanã.

Mendes’s absence is a significant blow for coach Fernando Diniz. After an adaptation period, he became integral to Vasco’s set-up and finished last season as an undisputed starter in the Brasileiro. He provides balance between defence and attack, key in build-up and defensive cover.

Without him, Diniz must find alternatives to keep the midfield stable in one of the season’s most important games so far. There is no return timeline, and his condition will be monitored in the coming days, with any chance of making the second leg depending on how he responds to treatment.

Source: PaponaColina