Paulo Henrique won't play for Vasco again until the World Cup

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·18 de mayo de 2026

Paulo Henrique won't play for Vasco again until the World Cup

Vasco's medical department confirmed this past Sunday (17) that full-back Paulo Henrique's injury is more serious than initially expected. After taking a blow in the match against Paysandu, detailed exams showed a sprain in the defender's right ankle. The news came as a major blow to the player's plans, as he had been hoping to earn a call-up for the World Cup through strong performances in this final stretch of the semester.

Head coach Renato Gaúcho admitted in the post-match press conference after the game in the South that he is unlikely to have the No. 96 available before the break for the international competition. The coach pointed out that, although the player wanted to push through the pain and play, the clinical severity of the injury ruled out any chance of him taking the field. For Vasco, the loss is significant, as the full-back had been one of the most effective attacking outlets in the tactical setup put together by the coaching staff.

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Renato Gaúcho laments run of absences

The defender's absence adds to a list of problems the Vasco manager will have to deal with in the coming days. Visibly concerned about the reduction in tactical options, Renato vented:

“Paulo Henrique does have an injury, yes, but it's very difficult for him to play a match before the World Cup. It's one problem after another.”

Vasco will face crucial matches in the Copa Sudamericana and the Brasileirão without the trademark speed of its starting right-sided player.

The player's idea was to make one last effort to impress the Brazil national team's coaching staff, but the medical department promptly ruled out that possibility. As a result, the full-back's focus now shifts to intensive recovery during the break in the national calendar.

Vasco hopes to have the player back at 100% physically for the restart of the competitions, ensuring that he can regain the technical prominence he showed in the opening months of the current season.

Puma Rodríguez takes over as Vasco's starting right-back

With the absence confirmed, Uruguayan Puma Rodríguez gets the opportunity to establish himself once again in the first team. The immediate backup will have the task of maintaining defensive solidity and supporting the attack in the matches against Olimpia and Red Bull Bragantino. For Vasco, the substitute's quick adaptation is essential so the team does not lose momentum in the race for the top spot in its international group and a climb up the table in the national league.

The board and coaching staff are closely monitoring the progress of other players who are also under medical care, seeking to avoid even greater wear and tear on the squad. Vasco understands that the grueling run of matches demands a resilient squad, and the loss of an undisputed starter like Paulo Henrique forces an immediate strategic reshuffle. The objective is to close out this phase of the season with positive results, minimizing the impact of the recurring injuries that have affected the professional squad.