Matheus Henrique on injury return and draw: "A bitter taste" | OneFootball

After returning to play for Cruzeiro following 46 days sidelined due to a fracture in two rib arches, midfielder Matheus Henrique assessed the 3-3 draw with Juventude and spoke about his physical condition and the team's performance. The statements were given to Samuca TV.

Regarding his recovery period, the player emphasized that he already feels fully fit for the final stretch of the season:

“Fracturing two rib arches is not easy, but that's behind me now. I’m recovered, I don’t feel anything anymore, and now it’s about getting back into rhythm. When I was getting back into physical shape, this problem happened. Now it’s about making the most of opportunities to reach this final stretch and crown the season.”

Matheus Henrique also analyzed the team’s behavior during the match, acknowledging the inconsistency in the opening minutes and the frustration with the result:

“We didn’t start the game the way we wanted, but from the 20th-25th minute of the first half until the end of the game, we played as we’re used to and could have even won by a wide margin. It’s a feeling of frustration, we created chances to win. We have to keep our heads in place, it’s a point earned, we didn’t lose, and Sunday there’s another battle.”

The midfielder also commented on the importance of the round for the fight at the top of the table:

“We went into the round knowing about Palmeiras and Flamengo, we knew three points would be very important to catch up with them again. There are still games to be played and we’ll always do our best and go for the win. It’s that saying, when you can’t win, at least don’t lose. Today we knew how important the game was, direct qualification for the Libertadores and getting closer to Palmeiras and Flamengo. Sunday we have another home game and we’ll look to win.”

For Matheus Henrique, the team’s performance would have justified a better result, despite the opponent’s approach:

“Given what we produced, it feels like a loss. On the other side there’s a team fighting for their lives, to stay in Série A, and I think the lesson is that we did our best and tried to win until the very last play.”

With 65 points, Cruzeiro remains in third place in the Brazilian Championship and returns to the field on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. against Corinthians, looking to bounce back in front of their fans.

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