John Kennedy injury adds to Fluminense's problems in season run-in | OneFootball

Fluminense has been dealt another concern for the rest of the season. The team’s top scorer in 2026, John Kennedy suffered a sprain to his right knee during the loss to Vasco in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16 and will miss the Tricolor’s upcoming matches.

The forward left the pitch in tears nine minutes into the second half after a challenge with full-back Paulo Henrique. This Thursday, the player underwent an initial medical evaluation, but the club has still not been able to determine the severity of the injury.

According to information first reported by Canal do Lessa, there is a possibility of ligament damage. However, the swelling in the knee is preventing a more precise assessment at this time. The expectation is that further tests will be carried out in about ten days, when it should be possible to define the diagnosis and recovery time.

The absence is another problem for coach Luis Zubeldía, who is already dealing with several players missing from the squad. Thiago Silva, Freytes and Millán are still being treated by the medical department, while other players have also dealt with physical issues since the season resumed after the World Cup break.

Beyond the tactical impact, the absence also weighs heavily because of John Kennedy’s numbers in 2026. The No. 9 is Fluminense’s leading scorer this season, with 15 goals, one of them in a friendly, and he is also among the players most used by the coaching staff, with 38 appearances.

In recent matches, John Kennedy had regained his starting spot in attack. After competing with Hulk for the position when the schedule resumed, the forward was once again chosen by Zubeldía both in the Brazilian Championship and in the decisive Copa do Brasil clashes against Vasco.

Without the “bear,” the coach now has Germán Cano, Hulk and Rodrigo Castillo as his main options to lead the attack.

Fluminense returns to action this Saturday (8) at 9 p.m., when it faces Botafogo at Nilton Santos Stadium in the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. Next week, the Tricolor begins its Libertadores round of 16 tie against Independiente Rivadavia and will hardly be able to count on its top scorer.

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