Pepê Fermino suffers right thigh injury, expected to miss start for Santos | OneFootball

Pepê Fermino has suffered a right thigh injury and is expected to miss Santos's first games of the second half of the season, according to Globo.com.

The midfielder felt the problem in the second half of Saturday's friendly against União São João. He came on at the break and was withdrawn 31 minutes into the half.

Scans on Monday confirmed a muscle injury to the right biceps femoris. He has begun physiotherapy with the club's medical department.

The 19-year-old was already being monitored by Cuca at the end of the first half of the year and is regarded as a standout from the academy for his versatility.

Originally an attacking midfielder who scored at under-15 level, he can also operate as a wide forward.

Since Elder Campos took charge of the under-20s, he has earned more minutes and, during the first team's break, helped the side in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.

He became a starter and scored two goals. In that run he played as a second central midfielder, alongside Samuel Pierri, with Vinícius Fabri the creator.

That flexibility appeals to Cuca, offering options for tactical tweaks without the need for immediate substitutions.

Source: Globo.com