Vasco debut frustration: Brenner, Hinestroza out, late blow for Diniz | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama begins its journey in the 2026 Brazilian Championship this Thursday (29), against Mirassol, in the interior of São Paulo. The match marks the kickoff of a campaign that carries great expectations, but coach Fernando Diniz will have to deal with significant frustrations right in the first round. The list of absences confirmed by the technical committee postpones the debut of the main reinforcements from the transfer window and forces a last-minute change in the defensive system.

Despite all the backstage efforts to regularize the new signings in time, the final barrier was physiology. Fans who were expecting to see the renewed attack will have to wait, as the front duo, which cost the SAF's coffers dearly, still does not meet the ideal conditions to withstand the intensity demanded by the coach.

To help the fans understand Diniz's choices and how the team will take the field without its new stars, we detail below the clinical situation of the athletes and the probable lineup for the duel at Estádio Maião.

+ Mirassol vs Vasco: where to watch live, lineups, and everything about the match

Reinforcements are in the BID but remain out due to physical reconditioning

The absence of Marino Hinestroza and Brenner is not bureaucratic. Both names are already listed in the CBF's Daily Information Bulletin (BID) and would be legally eligible for the game. However, the technical committee vetoed the duo's trip. The reason is the stage of physical reconditioning: they still need to progress in preparation to avoid early injuries, as they were coming from different scenarios (Hinestroza had been inactive since December and Brenner was in the middle of the European season).

Diniz opted for caution. The internal assessment is that launching them now, in a game of high physical demand against a qualified opponent, would be an unnecessary risk. Thus, the debut of the forwards is expected to take place in the upcoming rounds, at São Januário.

Marino is out of the game for physical conditioning – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Paulo Henrique is a last-minute absence and Puma takes the spot

In addition to the reinforcements, Vasco suffered an unexpected loss among the usual starters. Right-back Paulo Henrique experienced foot pain during activities preceding the trip and was ruled out by the medical department. Without him, the natural tendency was confirmed: the Uruguayan Puma Rodríguez will be the starter in the position, gaining a new chance to prove himself under Diniz's command.

The challenge will not be simple. Mirassol, the opponent in the debut, comes from a historic campaign in 2025, where they finished fourth in the Brasileirão and secured a spot in the Libertadores. Facing such an organized team away from home will be a "trial by fire" for a defense still seeking solidity.

PH is out of the Brasileirão debut – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Probable lineup maintains the base of the Campeonato Carioca

Without Vegetti and Rayan, who were transferred, and without the new reinforcements, Diniz is expected to field a formation very similar to the one competing in the State Championship. The team relies on the creativity of Philippe Coutinho and the speed of Adson or Nuno Moreira to supply the young GB, who remains the reference in the attack.

The probable lineup for Vasco is: Léo Jardim; Puma Rodríguez, Cuesta, Robert Renan, and Lucas Piton; Cauan Barros and Thiago Mendes; Nuno Moreira, Coutinho, and Andrés Gómez; GB. The goal is to maintain ball possession and offensiveness, trademarks of the coach, but with heightened attention to counterattacks.

Pumita scored two goals in the last match – 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.