Vasco: Arrived with high expectations, now two months without playing | OneFootball

Presented as a major signing in the last transfer window, midfielder Thiago Mendes has now gone two months without stepping onto the field for Vasco da Gama. His last appearance was in the 1-1 draw with Botafogo on August 27, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals at São Januário — when he only came on during stoppage time in the second half.

Since then, the 33-year-old player, who has played for São Paulo, Lille, and Lyon, has not been used again by Fernando Diniz. Thiago was the first signing announced by the club in the mid-year window and arrived surrounded by high expectations, but has yet to secure a place in the Vasco squad.

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Thiago Mendes in action for Vasco — Photo: Marlon Costa/AGIF

So far, the midfielder has played seven matches wearing the Vasco shirt, with only one as a starter, against Juventude in the 14th round of the Brasileirão. In September, a right calf injury sidelined him for a few weeks and interrupted his adaptation process.

Meanwhile, other players have established themselves in the position. Barros, who returned from loan at América-MG, has become a key piece in midfield. Hugo Moura, Tchê Tchê, and Mateus Carvalho have also earned the coach’s trust and are currently ahead of Thiago in the competition for a spot.

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Photo: Reproduction.

Even without recent minutes, the midfielder continues to train normally and has been included in the squad for recent matches — he was on the bench against Fortaleza, Fluminense, and Bragantino. Thiago Mendes’ contract with Vasco runs until December 2027, and the club hopes the player can regain his rhythm and once again become an effective option in the final stretch of the season.

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