Jair’s injury and new signings open door for key player’s return | OneFootball

The serious injury suffered by midfielder Jair, who is out for the season, has caused a huge headache for Fernando Diniz. However, the solution to the problem may lie within the squad itself, thanks to a tactical move made possible by the arrival of new signings. Midfielder Hugo Moura, who had been playing out of position in defense, is expected to return to his original role and finally establish himself in the midfield.

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Player was moved to defense out of necessity

Throughout 2025, Hugo Moura became a versatile piece in Diniz’s system. With a shortage of center-backs in the squad, he was moved back to defense and played there for most of the matches. Although this improvisation helped fill a gap, it is not where the player feels most comfortable and secure.

Two recent factors have completely changed the scenario. The first was the arrival of defenders Robert Renan and Carlos Cuesta, which addressed the shortage in the defensive sector. The second, and more unfortunate, was the serious injury to Jair. The absence of the number 8 opens up a direct spot in the midfield, and Hugo Moura emerges as the immediate and most reliable solution for the position.

Hugo Moura is expected to return to midfield – Photo: Matheus Lima/ Vasco

Player is one of Vasco’s most consistent performers this season

The return of Hugo Moura to midfield is a bet on consistency. With 45 matches this season, 40 of them as a starter, he is one of the players who has featured most for Vasco this year. Fernando Diniz has complete confidence in his football. Now, back in his original position, he will have the chance to take on an even more prominent role in the decisive final stretch of the season.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.