Palmeiras rethink plan as Vitor Roque a doubt for Libertadores opener | OneFootball

Vitor Roque was left out of Palmeiras’ squad to face Grêmio on Thursday as the club prioritises his recovery from ankle pain, leaving his availability uncertain for Bahia and the Libertadores opener.

According to Globo.com, the forward had specific treatment during the international break for an ankle issue that began in the São Paulo semi-final, spending most sessions off the pitch as pain persisted. He has not started since.

The problem may have worsened in the Brasileiro’s other Choque-Rei, when he came on and was caught by São Paulo full-back Wendell, leaving him in clear discomfort. Playing the second leg of the Paulistão final, when he scored the title winner, also slowed recovery.

Club and player did not feel confident to use him against Grêmio. He could also miss Sunday’s trip to Bahia in Salvador and is a doubt for the journey to Cartagena to face Junior Barranquilla, with the squad to fly straight from Salvador to Colombia.

One option is he skips Bahia then travels from São Paulo to Cartagena to meet the group. Assistant Vítor Castanheira said the decision will hinge on dialogue with medical and performance staff and that his recovery time will be respected.

For now he remains under treatment alongside Paulinho, Figueiredo and Piquerez, and is seen as the likeliest of the four to return first. Palmeiras visit Bahia at 19:30 on Sunday at Fonte Nova in the 10th round of the Brasileiro.

Source: Globo.com