Santos could lose Lucas Veríssimo, block João Ananias from Brazil under-20 duty | OneFootball

Santos could be short at the back after Lucas Veríssimo felt calf pain in the 0-0 draw with Remo, and have moved to keep João Ananias from Brazil under-20 duty to manage numbers.

According to Globo.com, Ananias had been called up for friendlies against Bolivia on nine and 12 August at Granja Comary, but the board has blocked his release. Missing the camp means he will be available for Sunday’s Brasileirão game against Athletico at Vila Belmiro, scheduled for 18.30 Brasília time.

The decision follows Saturday’s first leg of the Copa do Brasil last 16, a goalless draw at Vila Belmiro, where Veríssimo felt pain in his right calf late on and went off. He will be assessed on Sunday and is a doubt for Tuesday’s return at the Mangueirão. Santos must win away to reach the quarter-finals.

Head coach Cuca views Ananias as developing, acknowledging mistakes but no longer just a prospect, and sees him consolidating as a starter. The squad have few centre-backs, with Willian Arão able to cover when needed.

The team will reconvene on Sunday at the CT Rei Pelé. Cuca and his staff have only Monday morning to work with the group before travelling to Belém.

Source: Globo.com