Estrella given last chance in Carioca as Vasco weigh loan | OneFootball

Estrella has been handed what could be a last chance to re-establish himself at Vasco at the start of the Campeonato Carioca.

According to Globo.com, the 21-year-old is under assessment by the coaching staff and is in the group for the opening fixtures, having rejoined on Friday with the first batch of players, largely academy graduates and returning loanees. If he does not convince, the club are likely to seek a loan to secure minutes and aid his senior consolidation.

His progress has been heavily hit by knee trouble, and he missed more than a year. On 29 June 2024 against Botafogo he suffered a right knee injury exacerbated by a congenital discoid variant, requiring meniscus stabilisation surgery. Recovery was handled cautiously.

He reported back early last year and was tested in training, but swelling and discomfort persisted through preparation. He underwent an arthroscopy in late January to address the issue, and ended 2025 with only three appearances.

After arrivals in the last transfer window, chances became scarcer and he was briefly sent to the under-20s for decisive matches. The club point to JP and Barros as recent loan successes, with JP a 2025 starter at Avaí in Série B and back in the plans, while Barros impressed after spells at Amazonas and América-MG, returning in September to become a regular under Fernando Diniz.

With Estrella included, Vasco open their season on 15 January against Maricá in the Carioca.

Source: Globo.com