Matheus França and GB lose ground at Vasco as duo omitted for Madureira | OneFootball

Matheus França and GB were omitted from Vasco’s squad to face Madureira for technical reasons, reflecting their diminishing status.

According to Globo.com, coach Diniz rested some starters with the Campeonato Brasileiro starting on Thursday against Chapecoense, and Coutinho was also left out. Last year França was first choice off the bench in the role, but Rojas now fills that spot.

França arrived on loan from Crystal Palace amid high expectations, with the board believing he could even play as a false nine alongside Coutinho, Nuno Moreira and Rayan. He struggled to convince and was booed in several games last year.

In 2026 he missed the opener against Maricá due to fitness issues, then was withdrawn at half-time against Nova Iguaçu after a poor display. He did not feature against Flamengo, came on late against Mirassol and again failed to impress. Following a poor Brasileirão debut and training performances, he was left out against Boavista as Diniz favoured JP, Andrey Fernandes and Diego Minete.

His situation is being discussed internally and, while an early end to his loan has been considered, the club are not pursuing that option at present. França is among the squad’s highest earners.

GB has also slipped down the pecking order. He became a starter after Rayan and Vegetti departed, yet underperformed against Flamengo and Boavista, then made only a late cameo from the bench against Mirassol.

Vasco are in advanced talks to sign Claudio Spinelli, a more natural goalscorer earmarked as Brenner’s understudy. GB is likely to lose further ground if that move is completed.

Source: Globo.com