Diniz to use pre-season and early Carioca matches to bolster Vasco squad | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz will use Vasco’s pre-season and the opening Campeonato Carioca fixtures to test options and shape his squad. According to Globo.com, he plans to assess youngsters and players back from loans to decide who stays for 2026.

There is still no decision on when the senior group will feature in the Carioca. The expectation is a possible return for the clássico with Flamengo in the third round, though nothing is fixed.

A group that reported before the main squad will be assessed. Fuzato, Lucas Freitas, Leandrinho, GB, Garré and Adson are in the first team, while Lyncon, JP, Estrella and Maxime will be evaluated closely. Sforza, back from loan, will train and could be named in squads, but he is not in the club’s plans.

Other academy prospects are also being monitored by the staff, including Mutano and Medina. Further first-team players may be tried in the early matches.

Hugo Moura could be tested in defence given the lack of options in that area, with Saldivia, a reinforcement being arranged, not yet available.

Vasco are set to field an alternative side in the early rounds, initially under Diniz. Their Brasileirão campaign is scheduled to start on 28 January away to Mirassol.

Source: Globo.com