AS Monaco’s first pre-season friendly resulted in a 1-0 loss against Swiss club Servette on Saturday. The match took place at Monaco’s training facility in La Turbie, serving as the team’s initial test ahead of the new season. The game was notably impacted by the absence of full-back Vanderson, a key player for Monaco. Manager Adi Hütter addressed this issue after the match.
Reason for Vanderson’s Absence
Vanderson’s absence from the pre-season friendly was due to an injury, rather than international tournament duties. Although several first-team players are currently away for Euro 2024 and Copa América, Vanderson’s situation is unrelated to these tournaments. The former Grêmio full-back was not included in Brazil’s squad for the tournaments. Instead, his absence is attributed to a hip injury that has kept him out of action.
Manager’s Update on Vanderson
Adi Hütter, Monaco’s manager, provided details on Vanderson’s injury post-match. According to Hütter, Vanderson is struggling with a hip issue, and the team is focused on his rehabilitation to ensure he is ready for the new season. Hütter emphasized that the priority is to get Vanderson fit for the start of the season. There has been no specific timeline provided for his full recovery, and his return date remains uncertain.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
The Ligue 1 season is set to begin on August 16, and Monaco is keen to have Vanderson back in time for the opener. The team is hopeful that he will be fit enough to participate in the early fixtures. Additionally, Vanderson’s future is a topic of speculation, with ongoing rumors linking him to a possible move to Tottenham Hotspur. As Monaco prepares for the new campaign, Vanderson’s recovery and availability will be closely monitored, given his importance to the squad and the transfer interest surrounding him.
