O Athletico Paranaense confirmed, on Saturday (1), that the left-side Léo Derik suffered a ligament injury to the left ankle and is outside the confrontation against Andraus, on Sunday (2). Esquivel that acts in the same position back injury and is not yet 100% apt for a complete match, which leaves the sector falsified.
The fall of the young defender increases the list of physical problems of Hurricane this early in the year and generates concern amid a performance below expectations in the Paranaense Championship.
Fourth injury in a month
Léo Derik's absence adds to a worrying scenario in the medical department of Athletico. In just a month of season, the club has lost four players by injury. Before the side, Esquivel (tornozel), Babi (coxa) and Dudu (shoulder) also failed the team.
The physical wear of the players and the recurrence of clinical problems spark a warning about the preparation of the cast. After being relegated to the B Series of Brasileirão in 2024, Hurricane began the season pressed for results and with a cast that, so far, did not meet expectations.
Pressure by results
With only two wins in six matches, the Athletico-PR adds nine points and occupies the 7th position in the Paranaense Championship table. The team is tied in points with Cascavel and sees Rio Branco, 9th placed, approaching dangerously.
The team led by Mauricio Barbieri needs to win the Andraus to avoid an even more complicated scenario. If you stumble and Cascavel and Rio Branco win your games, Hurricane may leave the classification zone for the next phase of the state, aggravating the crisis that is already being drawn in the club.
Reaction before Series B
Besides the concern with the state campaign, Athletico needs to restructure before the start of the Brazilian Championship Series B. The lack of reinforcements in the last season was pointed out as one of the factors for delegating, and the current performance reinforces the need for urgent adjustments in the team.
The confrontation with Andraus is therefore a crucial test for Hurricane. Victory is fundamental not only for the ranking in Paranaense, but also to regain the confidence of the fans and demonstrate that the team can have a 2025 more competitive.
