Vasco opener frustration as Brenner and Hinestroza out, Diniz hit by late blow | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama launch their 2026 Brasileiro campaign away to Mirassol on Thursday at Estádio Maião, but Fernando Diniz begins without his marquee forwards and with a late change at right-back.

According to PaponaColina, Marino Hinestroza and Brenner are already on the CBF’s BID yet will not travel, the coaching staff having vetoed their involvement due to ongoing physical reconditioning. Their bows are likely to be held back until the next rounds at São Januário.

Right-back Paulo Henrique reported foot pain before the trip and was ruled out by the medical team, so Puma Rodríguez is set to start.

Mirassol finished fourth in 2025 and booked a Libertadores place, making this a stern away examination for a defence still chasing cohesion.

With Vegetti and Rayan sold and the new arrivals sidelined, Diniz is expected to stick with his Campeonato Carioca core. The likely XI is Léo Jardim, a back four of Puma Rodríguez, Cuesta, Robert Renan and Lucas Piton, a midfield of Cauan Barros and Thiago Mendes, an advanced trio of Nuno Moreira, Philippe Coutinho and Andrés Gómez, and GB up front. The plan is to keep the ball and attack, with added care against counters.

Source: PaponaColina