Lucas Veríssimo to miss Santos’ decider against Deportivo Cuenca after third yellow | OneFootball

Lucas Veríssimo will miss Santos’ decisive Copa Sudamericana clash with Deportivo Cuenca after collecting his third yellow card in the 2-2 draw with San Lorenzo.

The defender was booked in the first half for a foul that halted an Argentine attack. According to Diario Do Peixe, coach Cuca now has three leading options to reshape his back line alongside Adonis Frías.

They are João Ananias, Luan Peres and Zé Ivaldo. Ananias has featured in recent weeks and is viewed internally as a dependable alternative, while Peres is working through concussion protocol and may return to contention. Zé Ivaldo is also in the frame.

The draw leaves Santos bottom of Group D on four points, and they can no longer finish top, the only position that brings a direct last 16 berth.

Even so, they still have a mathematical chance of second and a route into the playoffs against a Libertadores third-placed side. Santos must beat Deportivo Cuenca at Vila Belmiro next Tuesday at 21:30 Brasília time, and depend on results involving San Lorenzo and Deportivo Recoleta.

Source: Diario Do Peixe