Villasanti back in Grêmio squad after 279 days, eyes pre-World Cup minutes | OneFootball

Villasanti has been named in the Grêmio squad for the first time in 279 days after a serious left-knee injury. He remained on the bench in the win over Santos, a return he celebrated as he chases a World Cup spot with Paraguay.

According to Globo.com, the midfielder resumed full training without restrictions last Tuesday. With no pain and a good response, head coach Luís Castro named him in Saturday’s squad. The report also notes he is considered among Gustavo Alfaro’s likely 26 after his influence during qualifying.

The official Paraguay list is scheduled to be announced on one June, with players beginning to gather in Asunción this week.

Villasanti remains available for Grêmio against City Torque on Tuesday at 19h at the Arena in the Sul-Americana. He is then expected to report to the national team on Wednesday, making Tuesday likely his final chance to feature for the club beforehand.

Castro said the midfielder could earn minutes if his training levels merit it, but if team-mates are ahead of him he will not play.

He ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and damaged his meniscus on 17 August 2025 in Grêmio’s match against Atlético-MG at the Arena MRV in Minas Gerais. He returned to the training pitch under physiotherapy supervision in March, with ball work intensifying from May.

Source: Globo.com