Estêvão is once again raising concern at Palmeiras. The young midfielder had to be replaced 19 minutes into the second half of the defeat against Vitória due to pain in his left ankle, which was confirmed as a sprain after examinations.
The midfielder began treatment with the club’s health and performance team after the extent of his injury was confirmed, although it is still uncertain when he will be able to play again. Thus, there is a lot of uncertainty in Verdão ahead of today’s (31) match against Flamengo in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16.
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Estêvão has already missed two games due to sprains in the same ankle and also in his left knee. Since the problem was not severe, he was only out for a week and returned as a starter against Vitória, when he felt the discomfort again.
With the new injury, the future Chelsea player is practically ruled out for the Copa clash. In fact, if he spends more time in treatment this time, he could also miss the return leg next week at Allianz Parque.
The last time Estêvão was unavailable, coach Abel Ferreira opted for Dudu. Lázaro is another alternative in that position, as Maurício cannot play in the Copa do Brasil because he started the tournament with Internacional.
