BRAZIL
Endrick stretchered off after scoring again for Palmeiras
The Real Madrid-bound youngster scored his tenth goal of the season in Brasileiro but was forced off through injury late on.
Endrick was on the scoresheet again for Palmeiras on Wednesday night but left the field on a stretcher after suffering a late injury.
The 17-year-old opened the scoring in a 4-0 win over América MG, a fine effort from the edge of the box. Endrick, starting on the right flank, pounced on a loose ball and lashed a fierce left-footed drive into the bottom corner.
Palmeiras cruised to a comfortable home victory as they close in on the Serie A title, but there was reason for concern as Endrick picked up an injury.
In the final stages the Brazilian prospect stretched to control a bouncing ball but felt his right leg buckle under the effort. He attempted to walk it off but was unable to walk, receiving on-field medical assistance before being stretchered off.
Speaking after the game Endrick insisted that the injury was not a major issue, telling reporters: “I’m fine.”
Endrick continues fast start
The youngster opened the scoring after just one minute on Wednesday evening. That goal, Endrick’s tenth in the Brasileirão, is also the team’s earliest goal this season. Interestingly Endrick has also provided the next two fastest goals of the campaign.
The opener against América MG pushes Endrick ahead of teammate Raphael Veiga (9 goals) in the scoring charts. Most impressively, Endrick has reached ten goals with just 16 league starts, making the other 13 appearances from the substitutes bench.
The Madrid-bound forward has had an incredible breakthrough season in Brazil but remains focused on the team’s championship objective. With two games remaining of the 2023 season Palmeiras are top of the table, three points ahead of a chasing trio of Botafogo, Atletico Mineiro and Flemengo.
“We are now in the lead and we will not let our guard down,” Endrick said after the América MG win. “Nothing has been won and nothing is impossible.”
“You have to keep your feet on the ground, be well and train hard because Fluminense will not be easy. I hope we can play a good game on Sunday.”
Messinho makes Palmeiras squad
Endrick’s latest goal highlighted his importance to this Palmeiras team. With the youngster set to move to Real Madrid next summer, how will Abel Ferreira’s side replace him?
The answer may well have been watching on from the bench. Estêvão Willian, also known as Messinho, was called up to Palmeiras’ senior team for the first time on Wednesday.
Messinho starred for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia and is tipped to be the next attacking star to emerge from the Brazilian leagues. The 16-year-old has already penned his first professional deal with the club, with a €45 million release clause included in the contract.
However that price tag has not discouraged some of Europe’s biggest clubs from taking an interest in the young forward. The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all rumoured to be interested.