Vitor Roque’s Return Delayed, Disappoints Fans

Supporters who went to Allianz Parque on Thursday, April 16, left frustrated. Vitor Roque did not even occupy a spot on the bench for the 19:00 match against Sporting Cristal.

The club had reported that Roque trained fully on April 15. That session marked the start of his transition back to play. Many expected he would at least be available as a substitute. Vitor Roque’s Return Delayed, Disappoints Fans who hoped to see him in the squad.

Injury timeline and club stance

Roque has complained of ankle pain since the semifinal against São Paulo. That match was at Arena Barueri in the 2026 Paulistão. Palmeiras links the problem to that decisive clash.

After the incident, the player saw reduced minutes. He entered late in the final against Novorizontino, in the game with Botafogo, and in the clássico with São Paulo. Initial caution did not eliminate the discomfort.

Medical staff concluded the sprain is more serious than first expected. Palmeiras adopted a recovery protocol focused entirely on rehabilitation. The club says he will return only when fully fit. Since the São Paulo match, Roque has not played.

Season statistics and form

So far this season, Roque has 16 appearances and six goals. His current scoring rate resembles last season. In 2025 he scored 20 goals in 56 matches.

Libertadores context

In the Copa Libertadores, Palmeiras needed three points to top the group. Sporting Cristal had beaten Cerro in their opening match. The Paraguayan side beat Barranquilla in the same round.

Those results left Palmeiras third in the section. A win against Sporting Cristal would lift the club to first place.

Match details and broadcast

Palmeiras starting lineup

• Carlos Miguel
• Giay
• Gómez
• Murilo
• Khellven
• Andreas
• Marlon
• Allan
• Sosa
• Arias
• Flaco López

Fans left disappointed at the stadium. Palmeiras remains cautious about the player’s recovery. Filmogaz.com will follow further updates on his return.