Renato Gaúcho set to recall Cuiabano to Vasco side | OneFootball

Vasco could receive a major in-house boost for the decisive Copa do Brasil match this Wednesday (13). Left-back Cuiabano has recovered from a muscle issue in his left thigh and has a real chance of being included in the squad for the clash. According to Rádio Tupi, the player has already been training with the rest of the squad for two weeks and is only waiting for the coaching staff’s approval to return to the pitch.

The player felt the physical issue during the defeat to Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena and missed the team’s last four official matches. Upon returning to Rio de Janeiro, tests detected swelling that required special attention from Vasco’s medical department. Head coach Renato Gaúcho even considered using the defender in the derby against Flamengo, but chose to preserve him for this decisive match.

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Cuiabano returns to Vasco to regain match fitness in the tournament

As the Cruz-Maltino side won the first leg against Paysandu 2-0, expectations are that the coach will take the opportunity to rotate the starting lineup. This is the perfect chance for the full-back to regain the match fitness he lost during his forced spell on the sidelines at Vasco. The match will be played at São Januário Stadium at 7 p.m. and is worth a place in the next round of the national competition.

Developed at Grêmio, the defender arrived in Rio football on loan from Nottingham Forest of England, with a contract valid until the end of 2026. The deal includes a purchase option set at 10 million euros (approximately R$ 58.1 million), a figure that shows the player’s market potential. For Vasco, he has already made 11 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four important assists.

Cuiabano upon his arrival at Vasco – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Full-back posts solid numbers and aims to become the undisputed starter on the flank

Before the injury, the wing-back had been one of the team’s standout performers thanks to his ability to support the attack and his physical strength. He also had a notable spell at Botafogo between 2024 and 2025, which helped him adapt quickly to the environment at Vasco. The club’s board believes the player’s return will bring more defensive balance and aggression down the left side of the pitch.

The coaching staff are monitoring the player’s physical progress in training to decide whether he will start or come on during the second half. The goal is to ensure he is 100% fit for the demanding run of matches Vasco will face in the second half of the season.

Cuiabano had been one of Cruz-Maltino’s key pillars – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

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