Marlon steps up recovery as Grêmio left-back nears return | OneFootball

Marlon has moved closer to a Grêmio return after rejoining the squad on Thursday at CT Luiz Carvalho, taking part in ball work without contact.

He is expected to resume full training without restrictions next Thursday. The left-back has recovered from a fracture to his right ankle suffered on 19 March, with surgery the following day.

The injury followed a collision with his marker against Vitória at the Arena in the Brasileirão, a distressing scene that ended with him leaving the pitch by ambulance.

"When I collided with the player and was falling, I felt my foot was going to break because I was landing on it. I just heard the crack. I did not feel pain. When I turned and tried to pull my leg, it was not coming. I looked and saw it had broken. With a lot of playing time and experience, I said, 'If it is not bleeding, it is not as bad as it looks,'" he told ge in June.

Marlon hopes to be available between late July and early August, with his return to matches expected to be gradual. Youth product Pedro Gabriel is currently first choice at left-back.

Grêmio resume official action next Friday against Mirassol at 20:00 at Maião in the 19th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Centre-back Balbuena and goalkeeper Weverton will report on Monday after Paraguay and Brazil were eliminated at the World Cup.

Source: Globo.com