Cruzeiro striker Gabriel Pec fractures tibia in violent tackle

During the 19th‑round Brazilian Serie A match on 22 July 2026, Cruzeiro beat Internacional 2‑1 at the Beira‑Rio stadium. In the second half, Internacional defender Victor Gabriel delivered a high‑impact challenge that struck Pec’s left tibia, causing a deep cut and severe bleeding. Pec was forced to leave the field on a stretcher and later underwent medical examinations that confirmed a tibia fracture.

The club announced that Pec, a recent $12 million (≈ R$ 61 million) signing from MLS, will undergo surgery at the Orizonti Hospital in Belo Horizonte and faces an estimated two‑month recovery period. Victor Gabriel was shown a red card on the pitch and has been denounced by the STJD prosecutor under article 254 of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code. He is scheduled to be judged on 28 July, with a possible suspension of one to six matches, or up to 180 days if Pec remains unable to play.

The incident has implications for Cruzeiro’s squad depth, as the club also copes with the absence of several key midfielders ahead of its upcoming match against Botafogo.