What happened
Palmeiras suffered a setback as midfielder Lucas Evangelista ruptured the tendon at the back of his right thigh. The injury was sustained during the team’s defeat to Bahia at the weekend, and Evangelista could not even stand up to leave the field. Subsequent medical exams reviewed by the club confirmed a more serious injury, necessitating surgical intervention and ruling the player out for the remainder of the season.
The injury details and context
The initial concern over Evangelista’s fitness quickly grew after the latest tests indicated a rupture of the hamstring tendon on his right leg. This is a significant setback for the players, especially given Evangelista’s recent upturn in form. He had established himself as a starter in the midfield, taking over after the departure of Richard Ríos, and the team had even adjusted tactics to deploy Andreas Pereira in a more advanced role to accommodate his performances. The injury interrupts a promising phase for Evangelista and for Palmeiras as they navigate a busy schedule and push for positive results this season.
Recovery timeline and medical guidance
Because the injury requires surgical repair, the minimum expected recovery time for Evangelista is around three months. Medical analyses cited by the team indicate that the average rehabilitation period for a hamstring tendon rupture treated surgically typically falls in the three-to-four month window. This aligns with guidance from orthopedics specialists who manage these injuries, reinforcing that Palmeiras will likely be without Evangelista for a substantial portion of the season while he rehabs.
What the timeline means for Palmeiras
Evangelista’s absence removes a key creative option from the midfield at a time when Palmeiras are balancing continental commitments with league duties. The immediate impact is likely a reshuffle in the engine room, with coaches needing to deploy alternatives to fill the gap left by Evangelista’s creative drive and energy. In the interim, the squad will lean on established midfielders and younger players to maintain balance and intensity in domestic and international fixtures.
Official notes and next steps
Dr. Danyel Selleguim Laghi, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital Ortopédico AACD, noted that the typical post-surgical period for such hamstring tendon injuries is three to four months, with a three-month minimum recovery benchmark. While Palmeiras has not publicly outlined a definitive timetable for Evangelista’s return, the medical consensus emphasizes a careful rehabilitation process to restore strength and flexibility while minimizing re-injury risk. As Evangelista begins rehabilitation, the focus will be on a structured plan that progresses from initial protection and gradual loading to functional conditioning and on-field reintegration.
Looking ahead
Lucas Evangelista’s injury is a blow, but Palmeiras’ depth and tactical flexibility will be tested in the coming weeks. The club will likely monitor squad health closely, optimize rotations, and integrate players who can adapt to the evolving tactical requirements without overburdening any single member of the midfield. Fans will be awaiting updates on his rehabilitation milestones as the season progresses, hoping for a safe and steady return when the time comes.
