Vasco full-back leaves São Januário on foot after knock v Paysandu | OneFootball

Right-back Paulo Henrique raised alarm bells at Vasco and within the Brazil national team coaching staff after suffering an injury this Wednesday. During the match against Paysandu in the Copa do Brasil, the player twisted his right ankle in the opening minutes of the second half. The incident happened during a challenge for the ball with full-back Facundo Bonifazi, forcing the immediate substitution of the Vasco player for Uruguayan Puma Rodríguez.

Concern surrounding Paulo Henrique is high because of the proximity of the final squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup. The Vasco player is included in the preliminary list of 55 names sent by the CBF to the tournament’s organizing committee. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti will announce the final list of 26 called-up players next Monday, 05/18/2026, at 5 p.m., increasing the drama over the defender’s physical condition.

+ Cuiabano feels pain again and will miss Vasco during a decisive stretch

Paulo Henrique downplays injury scare after fright at São Januário

Despite leaving the field in a lot of pain, the mood in the Vasco dressing room became lighter after the end of the match. The player was seen leaving the stadium walking without the help of crutches or protective gear. The club’s medical department is expected to carry out further evaluations over the next 24 hours to rule out any more serious ligament injury that could jeopardize his participation in the international tournament.

In the mixed zone at São Januário, journalist Pedro Cobalea, from Lance!, captured the moment when the full-back played down the situation to those present. When asked about the severity of the sprain, the player was direct about his physical condition:

The statement brought some relief to the Vasco board, which fears losing one of its undisputed starters for the round of 16 of the national competition.

Vasco full-back awaits Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad list

Monitoring of the player’s health will remain strict in the coming days to ensure his availability for the Brazilian Championship. For Vasco, the presence of a highly valued player on Carlo Ancelotti’s list represents not only a technical boost, but also an increase in the club’s market value internationally. The expectation is that the defender will return to normal training activities as quickly as possible so as not to lose match fitness before the World Cup.

Fans are now waiting for the club’s official statement to confirm that the defender will be fit for the next challenges of the season. The full-back is a key piece in Renato Gaúcho’s system, and his absence would be a major blow for the club.

Paulo Henrique played and scored for the Brazil national team – Photo: Reproduction

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