Vasco player back on the bench, future at Colina uncertain

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Papo na Colina

·5 November 2025

Vasco player back on the bench, future at Colina uncertain

Vasco will have Paulinho back on the bench for this Wednesday’s (5th) derby. The player will face Botafogo with the squad. However, his presence is more due to necessity than to any regained prestige.

The spot on the bench only became available because Nuno Moreira is suspended. The midfielder is currently experiencing a period of deep ostracism. Under Fernando Diniz, Paulinho played in just six matches, all coming off the bench towards the end of games.

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+ Vasco: Midfielder is included in the squad, but is still doubtful for the derby against Botafogo

The impact of the injury in 2024

The last game in which Paulinho was used was over a month ago. The player came on at the 41st minute of the second half in the draw against Ceará. His current situation is a stark contrast to the importance he had in 2023.

The player was one of the pillars in the fight against relegation, even scoring a goal in the decisive match against Bragantino. However, he suffered a serious ligament injury in his knee at the start of 2024. There were high expectations for his return in 2025, but that did not materialize.

The queue of midfielders at Vasco

Paulinho started the year as a starter under Fábio Carille. However, poor performances caused him to lose his place. He saw Jair and Tchê Tchê take over the position in the first half of the year.

Today, he is overlooked in favor of Tchê Tchê, Thiago Mendes, and even Mateus Carvalho. According to reports, the reason is purely a “technical decision,” as he trains normally. With a contract until the end of 2025, his departure from the Gigante da Colina is imminent.