EYE ON CRICIÚMA
While the right-back needed to be replaced against Corinthians, Leão’s defender didn’t even enter the field
Published on November 13, 2024 at 7:21 pm
Willlean Lepo left the field injured against Corinthians Credit: Victor Ferreira/EC Vitória
After being overcome by Corinthians at Barradão, Vitória began preparing for the clash against Criciúma, valid for the 34th round of the Brazilian Championship. This Wednesday (13), the red-and-black club returned to the Manoel Pontes Tanajura training center with the presence of right-back Willlean Lepo and defender Neris.
Both players were injured, but trained without restrictions during the day. The full-back started as an improvised starter on the left, but had to be replaced by Patric Calmon during the match, after complaining of pain. The defender was left as an option on the bench.
During a press conference, coach Thiago Carpini revealed that the defender did not take the field because he had not trained during the week. “[O Edu] It only started because Neris didn’t train during the week and didn’t meet the conditions. We had a change on the left side, in the middle of the defense. (…) But the tendency is for the most harmonious duo to return, playing for the longest time, which is Neris and Wagner”, he said.
In addition to the duo, midfielder Caio Vinícius ran around the fields of the sports complex. The player had a muscle injury in the anterior region of the thigh. Having undergone surgery in July this year for an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the defender started running on the treadmill last Monday and took to the field this Wednesday (13).
The training session after the defeat in the last round began with activation in the weight room. Afterwards, the Leão squad warmed up, with games in quadrants and speed exercises. Finally, Carpini led a technical training session to improve the transition in possession of the ball.
Against the Santa Catarina team, the red-and-black commander counts on the return of Lucas Esteves and Willian Oliveira. On the other hand, Vitória lost striker Everaldo, suspended for a third yellow card. Regarding the next opponent, Carpini expects another difficult duel in the competition. “In Criciúma it’s more of a direct confrontation. We follow the same convictions as we do at work. (…) Very difficult game. One of the most difficult, just like Corinthians. The Brazilian Championship is a very high level competition”, he highlighted.
