Zé Rafael aims to end year-long drought in Santos v Atlético-MG clash | OneFootball

Hired this season, Zé Rafael is still trying to return to ideal physical shape and establish himself at Santos. The midfielder, in fact, could break a more than year-long drought against Atlético-MG on Sunday, in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship.

The 32-year-old player hasn't completed 90 minutes on the field in two consecutive matches since June 2024, when he was still playing for Palmeiras. At that time, Verdão defeated Juventude (3-1, on the 23rd) and lost to Fortaleza (3-0, on the 26th).

Since then, Zé Rafael hasn't been able to repeat the feat, especially due to the back problem he faced. Because of severe pain, he underwent a groundbreaking surgical procedure in football, in February of this year.

After some time away, the midfielder returned to play in May. Since then, he has participated in 13 matches for Santos, starting in 10 of them.

However, the player still hasn't managed to stay on the field for 90 minutes in two consecutive matches wearing the black and white jersey.

In the last match for Peixe, in the 0-0 draw with Fluminense, he stayed on the field from start to finish. Now, after two weeks of just training at CT Rei Pelé, the number 6 hopes to repeat the performance against Atlético-MG and finally break this drought.

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