Brazilian football club Botafogo has suffered a major setback in their FIFA Club World Cup campaign as veteran defender Bastos has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a recurring knee injury.
The 34-year-old Angolan international, known for his commanding presence in the backline, will return to Brazil for treatment after experiencing renewed discomfort during the team’s preparations.
Bastos had only recently made a return to full fitness following a lengthy injury layoff that began in February. He was named on the bench during Botafogo’s narrow 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Monday, raising hopes of a full comeback.
However, complaints of fresh pain in his knee led the club’s medical team to withdraw him from the competition as a precautionary measure.
The news comes as a blow to Botafogo’s aspirations in the Club World Cup, particularly with a high-stakes Round of 16 clash against domestic rivals Palmeiras looming.
Scheduled for Saturday in Philadelphia, the all-Brazilian encounter now presents an even greater challenge for head coach Artur Jorge, who must now reshuffle his defense in the absence of one of his most experienced players.
Bastos, who joined Botafogo from Saudi side Al-Ahli in 2023, has been a key figure in the team’s rise to prominence. With 60 appearances across all competitions and 58 international caps for Angola, he has brought both leadership and consistency to Botafogo’s backline.
His defensive solidity was instrumental in the club’s historic double triumph last season, when they lifted both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A title.
His absence leaves a significant void in both experience and quality as Botafogo aims to extend their campaign on the world stage. The timing of the injury could not be worse, especially given the quality of opposition ahead and the unforgiving nature of knockout football.
Despite this setback, Botafogo remains determined to push forward. The team boasts a talented roster, and fans will be hoping that the collective spirit that led them to continental glory will once again shine through.
As the tournament intensifies, all eyes will be on how Botafogo responds to the loss of their defensive anchor and whether they can still carve a path toward Club World Cup success.