Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson is a doubt for Tuesday's Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg against rivals Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte, a possible absence that has stirred sports headlines in Brazil.
Since arriving at Atlético Mineiro, known as Galo, the number 22 has played in every clash against Cruzeiro, the club's biggest rival. Widely regarded as the team's standout player, Everson has appeared in 20 derbies against Cruzeiro since September 2020, a run in which Atlético Mineiro holds the edge with eight wins, six draws and six defeats.
Injury in the first leg
Everson was hurt in a collision with Cruzeiro forward Bruno Rodrigues during the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter-final, played the previous Tuesday, August 25, at the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. Atlético Mineiro said the goalkeeper suffered trauma to his left foot.
As a result, Everson missed Atlético Mineiro's Brasileirão match against Vitória on Saturday, August 29, and remains a doubt for Tuesday's derby.
Bruno Rodrigues left the Mineirão by ambulance after the collision and was diagnosed with a fracture to the right zygomatic bone of his face and a rib fracture.
Who replaces Everson
Gabriel Delfim, who came through Atlético Mineiro's youth academy, is the likely replacement. He started in the 3-1 win over Vitória on Saturday and spoke about the possibility of defending Galo's goal in the derby.
Delfim said it would be an immense responsibility to step in for Everson if needed, but that he was prepared. He said he trained every day just as Everson does and had the support of everyone at the club, adding that he would respond in the best way again if called upon. Delfim made the comments in the mixed zone at the Arena MRV.
Second leg details
The return quarter-final leg takes place at the Arena MRV, kicking off at 9pm Brasília time. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Mineirão, meaning a straightforward win would be enough for either side to advance in the national cup competition.
Prize money and next round
The Copa do Brasil is Brazil's premier domestic cup competition. Whichever club advances will receive 4 million reais in prize money from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The winner of the Minas Gerais derby will face either Grêmio or Internacional in the semifinals of the competition.
