Thiago Mendes a doubt for Vasco’s Copa do Brasil tie vs Fluminense | OneFootball

Vasco is eagerly anticipating confirming their spot in the Copa do Brasil final, but a warning has been issued by the medical department a day before the decision. Midfielder Thiago Mendes, one of the key players in Fernando Diniz's team, experienced pain in the last game and has become the main doubt for the decisive match against Fluminense this Sunday (14) at Maracanã.

Despite the concern, the technical team is working optimistically and believes the player will be fit to play. However, the situation will be closely monitored until just before the match.

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Scare in the first leg

Thiago Mendes had to be substituted during the 2-1 victory in the first leg of the semifinal after experiencing pain initially treated as cramps. The midfielder's presence is considered crucial for Vasco's midfield structure, both for his defensive capabilities and his quality in ball distribution.

The internal assessment is that the player is responding well to treatment and has a high chance of starting the match as a starter. If he is not fit, the immediate substitute is expected to be Hugo Moura, who would come in to maintain the defensive strength in the sector.

Diniz likely to maintain winning base

With the probable presence of Thiago Mendes, Fernando Diniz is likely to repeat the lineup that secured the advantage in the first match. The only confirmed absence is left-back Lucas Piton, who will not play again this season, with Pumita Rodríguez continuing in the position.

In attack, despite scoring the winning goal in the first leg, striker Pablo Vegetti is expected to remain an option on the bench, with the trio of Nuno Moreira, Andrés Gómez, and Rayan being maintained.

Thus, the probable Vasco lineup for the decision is: Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Cuesta, Robert Renan, and Pumita Rodríguez; Barros, Thiago Mendes (Hugo Moura), and Coutinho; Nuno Moreira, Andrés Gómez, and Rayan.

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