Midfielder Everton Ribeiro can start a match again as Bahia’s starter on Thursday (20), at 6pm (Brasília time), when Tricolor faces Fortaleza, at Arena Fonte Nova, in the 34th round of the Brasileirão.
This would be the number 10’s first game with the real chance of starting among the starters after undergoing surgery. At 36 years old, the captain was away for less than a month, but is still looking to regain his best rhythm.
Everton played just 35 minutes, entering the second half against RB Bragantino and Internacional. He admitted that the recovery has been more difficult than he expected, despite the efforts of the club’s professionals.
“It hasn’t been easy to get back to the pace I was at. But with the help of the medical department, the physical department, we are trying to accelerate as much as possible, training whenever we can a little extra to be able to speed up this return”, he stated.
Everton also highlighted the constant dialogue with coach Rogério Ceni to define the best way to contribute to the team in this moment of physical transition.
Despite the evolution, the midfielder considers that he has not yet reached the ideal level.
“I’ve been talking to Rogério so we can reach a consensus and see what’s best for the team. There’s no point in me wanting to play the 90 minutes, but not having the intensity or preparation to play at a high level and not helping the team”, he said.
“We will decide the best strategy for the game, especially for the team […] I feel good enough to play a few minutes so I can help, but I’m still in the process of getting back to 100%”, he added.
