Pavon becomes Grêmio’s emergency right-back option under Luís Castro | OneFootball

Cristian Pavon has taken on an emergency role for Grêmio, covering at right-back in recent matches when they have chased games.

According to Globo.com, the Argentine filled the position against São Paulo and Juventude, taking over João Pedro’s berth as the team sought a response.

At Morumbis, with Grêmio trailing São Paulo and reduced to 10 after Wagner Leonardo’s dismissal, Pavon was pushed back to right-back.

Against Juventude on Sunday, João Pedro struggled to contain Gabriel Taliari. He was withdrawn a minute after Juventude scored, at 12 minutes of the second half, for Gabriel Mec, and Pavon dropped from the left wing into right-back.

João Pedro has reclaimed the starting spot after recovering from thrombosis in his right shoulder that hampered him late last season. Marcos Rocha, 37, is now a reserve and last featured against Novo Hamburgo in the Gauchão quarter-finals, when Luís Castro rotated.

Pavon is not expected to start there, with João Pedro and Marcos Rocha the specialists. Castro views him as an in-game alternative to boost attacking threat without losing defensive bite. The club are monitoring options and may sign a right-back if a financially viable opportunity that fits the coach’s plan arises.

A winger by trade, Pavon has not scored for Grêmio for more than a year. His last goal was on 11 February 2025 in a 5-0 win over Pelotas in the seventh round of the state championship. His contract runs to December 2026.

Source: Globo.com