Vasco plans to use World Cup break to rehabilitate injured players and boost confidence

The pause in the Brazilian league for the World Cup arrives as Vasco da Gama sits in the relegation zone after a 1‑0 defeat to Atlético‑MG, extending its stay there for more than 50 days. The club sees the interruption as a chance to restore players’ fitness and morale before the second half of the season.

Medical staff are focusing on several injured squad members. Volante Jair, who suffered a serious knee injury, has resumed partial training and is expected to return to full sessions after the break. Other players such as Cuiabano and Paulo Henrique, who dealt with a thigh edema and an ankle sprain respectively, are also targeted for recovery. Coach Renato Gaúcho will have roughly a month of training time before the league restarts, with the possibility of new signings.

Beyond physical rehabilitation, Vasco aims to rebuild confidence. Striker Brenner, signed for about R$ 30 million, has managed only three goals and one assist in 24 matches and has faced fan criticism. Defensive and attacking options like Saldivia, Marino Hinestroza, Spinelli, Nuno Moreira and others have also underperformed, prompting the club to use the hiatus to re‑establish form and belief in the squad.