Striker Vitor Roque will undergo a surgical procedure in the coming days to correct a serious injury to his left ankle. The decision was made by the Palmeiras medical department this Friday, after carrying out detailed imaging tests. The player was injured during the 3-0 victory over Jacuipense, valid for Copa of Brasil, on Thursday night.
The clinical evaluation revealed an injury to the syndesmosis, a region made up of ligaments that support the joint between the tibia and fibula. As this is an essential area for the athlete’s stability, surgical intervention was considered the safest path to full recovery. The club has not established an official return schedule, however the internal estimate indicates that the number 9 will only be available after Copa of Mundo, between June and July.
https://twitter.com/Palmeiras/status/2047731485050822871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Histórico due to physical problems marked the attacker’s early return
The new injury occurred in exactly the same place where the player had already been undergoing intensive treatment. Vitor Roque had suffered a ligament trauma in early March, during the classic against São Paulo, in the Campeonato Paulista semifinal. Naquela occasion, athlete and coaching staff chose to sacrifice so that he could compete in the state final, where he even scored one of the title goals.
- Primeiro trauma: occurred on March 1st in the Paulista semifinal
- Participação in the final: played in sacrifice and secured the title goal
- Tentativa back: came in during games against São Paulo and Botafogo
- Specific Tratamento: stayed away for reinforcement in Núcleo of Saúde and Performance
- Retorno gradual: played for eight minutes against Athletico last Sunday
- Current Lesão: ownership against Jacuipense lasted just 15 minutes
Núcleo of Saúde and Performance (NSP) of Palmeiras have dedicated the last month to working not only on physical strengthening, but also on the young attacker’s psychological confidence. The planning provided for a progressive draft so that Vitor Roque could regain its competitive rhythm without risks. Entretanto, the entry suffered in the duel against the Bahian team drastically interrupted the process.
Detalhes technicians explain the severity of the injury to the syndesmosis
The syndesmosis is a fibrous ligament complex that prevents the leg bones from moving apart in the ankle region. Quando this structure is compromised, the player loses the ability to perform explosive movements and changes of direction safely. In the case of Vitor Roque, the recurrence of trauma at the weakened site increased the need for correction through surgery.
The scene of the striker leaving the pitch in tears 15 minutes into the opening half already indicated a worrying scenario for the coaching staff. Ele left the Palmeiras arena using orthopedic protection and had great difficulty walking. In the locker room, the atmosphere among the players and staff was one of desolation due to the moment of their teammate, who was trying his first game as a starter after the period of sauce.
Abel Ferreira seeks tactical alternatives to make up for the absence of number 9
Sem his main striker for the coming months, coach Abel Ferreira will have to reorganize Palmeiras’s offensive system. In the match against Jacuipense, the young Luighi was chosen to fill the open spot, maintaining the structure with a reference striker. The squad has internal options, but the transfer market is also on the Alviverde board’s radar to reinforce other sectors.
Palmeiras’s planning for 2026 was undergoing constant adjustments due to the tight schedule. Agora, with the certainty that Vitor Roque will be absent in decisive matches before the break for the world cup, the focus turns to the base and possible external moves. Além from the offensive sector, the club maintains active negotiations to reinforce the defense, with names like Nino and Barboza being monitored by the football leadership.