Japa out for ten months, Jardim outlines Cruzeiro plans | OneFootball

One of the most promising talents to emerge from Cruzeiro’s youth academy in recent years, midfielder Japa is approaching ten months without officially stepping onto the field. The 21-year-old player has been facing a tough sequence of injuries that have stalled his progress in the professional squad.

Discovered at Toca da Raposa II and promoted in 2023, Japa earned his place under the management of Fernando Seabra and Paulo Autuori, taking part in the last seven matches of that year’s Brazilian Championship and playing an important role in the campaign that secured the club’s stay in Série A.

The following year was supposed to mark the young player’s consolidation in the main team. Under the guidance of Nicolás Larcamón, he started the season as a starter, but a series of physical problems — including a foot fracture — limited his participation to just 15 matches in 2024.

At the beginning of 2025, there were inquiries from other clubs, but the coaching staff chose to keep him in the squad, betting on his recovery. However, a serious injury to the tendon in his left thigh, suffered in January, sidelined the athlete for several months. Japa only returned to training with the group in July, but has yet to regain his competitive rhythm.

Under the management of Leonardo Jardim, the midfielder played only in the friendly against Banfield, during the Vitória Cup in Cariacica (ES). Since then, he has been regularly included in the squad, but still hasn’t had new opportunities in official matches.

After the draw against Sport at Mineirão, Jardim was asked about the player’s current situation and briefly explained how he views the youngster within the squad.

“Certainly, all players can be used. Japa as well. Japa is a young player for whom we have special affection. It’s a pity, on my part, that he hasn’t had more playing time,” highlighted the Portuguese coach.

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