Gabriel Brazão injury opens Santos keeper battle, options for Cuca v Remo | OneFootball

Gabriel Brazão faces surgery on a left shoulder problem that could end his season, opening a battle in Santos' goal. Coach Cuca must choose between João Paulo and Diógenes for Saturday at the Mangueirão against Remo.

According to Globo.com, the pain worsened after the Atlético-MG match in the Copa Sudamericana. He began treatment in the Arena MRV dressing room, but with no improvement the operation, originally planned for season’s end, has been brought forward.

João Paulo last played for Santos 572 days ago, against Inter de Limeira on 23 February 2025. He was first choice until May 2024, when he ruptured the Achilles in his left ankle against América-MG in Série B and needed surgery.

He later joined Bahia on loan until June this year but stayed behind Ronaldo. He then came on against Remo in the eighth round after Ronaldo suffered an arm injury on 45 minutes with Bahia 1-0 up, and Bahia were thrashed, conceding four.

He later lost his place to Léo Vieira, and his next outing was a 3-2 defeat to Coritiba after Bahia had led 1-0 at half-time. He made eight appearances.

Academy graduate Diógenes has been in the senior squad since 2021 and this year started a win over Bragantino, a league draw with Bahia and a Copa do Brasil draw with Coritiba. He became João Paulo’s understudy after the 24 May injury, and in April Santos extended his contract to 2028 with a €70m clause, about R$418.6 million.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”