Vitória doctor outlines recovery for Nathan Mendes and Ruben Ismael

Marcelo Midlej, the medical director of Esporte Clube Vitória, explained that each knee injury recovers at its own pace. He said Nathan Mendes suffered a ligament rupture in the semifinals of the Copa do Nordeste against ABC and required a delayed surgery to allow the joint inflammation to subside, avoiding additional trauma. The doctor noted that the healing process for a tendon graft used in cruciate ligament reconstruction can take eight to twelve months.

Midlej added that midfielder Ruben Ismael, who returned briefly for a win over Palmeiras before his own anterior cruciate ligament tear, is now in the final stage of rehabilitation and is expected to be fit for selection later this season. Both players are under contract with Vitória until at least 2028.