Ceara Prepares for Vila Nova Match as Zanocelo Nears Return

Ceara resumed training on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Porangabucu to prepare for their upcoming Brazilian Serie B match against Vila Nova. Midfielder Zanocelo could make his return to the squad after recovering from a knee injury.

The squad returned to work following a day off after their 2-1 victory over Londrina. Head coach Daniel Paulista led technical sessions in a reduced space for players who logged fewer than 45 minutes in the last game.

Zanocelo has been in physical transition since August 12 after spending nearly four months treating a partial ligament injury. The coaching staff and medical team are evaluating his daily progress to determine his availability for Sunday's match.

"This week, in principle, he should start training more naturally, and within these training sessions, his condition will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis," said head coach Daniel Paulista. "Whether he will be in condition to potentially be called up for the game against Vila Nova depends a lot on what he shows during these days that we will have available."

Before his injury, Zanocelo was a key figure for Ceara in 2026, recording three goals and three assists across 19 matches and 1,428 minutes played. The club recently acquired 70% of his economic rights from Santos for R$ 3.7 million, extending his contract through 2028.

"If, within a joint evaluation of the entire staff and coaching team, we understand that he is ready, he will be called up," Daniel Paulista added. "If not, he is a player who remains for the next match, for the next game, so that he can continue working. He will have an extra period of work, but he is an athlete with whom we will take this care so that we can have him definitively for the remainder of the competition."

Tickets for Ceara supporters went on sale Monday exclusively online via the Vozao Tickets platform. Away fans will be stationed in Sector C at the Onesio Brasileiro Alvarenga Stadium in Goiania, with entry conditioned on facial recognition registration.

Despite their recent victory, Ceara sits with 28 points and remains in the relegation zone following Avai's win over Ponte Preta. The team will hold five training sessions before traveling to Goiania on Friday, August 28, ahead of the match scheduled for Sunday, August 30, at 6:30 p.m.