Just over a year after suffering a serious knee injury and seeing his dream of playing in the World Cup postponed, left-back Guilherme Arana is back in the Brazilian team. He was called up this Thursday (28) to replace Caio Henrique, who was cut after also tearing his knee ligaments. The Atlético-MG player sent a message of support to the Monaco athlete and celebrated his return.
On September 8, 2022, after imaging tests, it was confirmed that Arana had torn ligaments and would have to undergo surgery. The full-back cried a lot about not being able to defend the country at the World Cup in Qatar in December. He even had a chance of being a starter. He returns now and can continue preparing for the 2026 World Cup with injuries to Caio Henrique and Alex Sandro, from Juventus.
Arana returns to compete for the starting spot with Renan Lodi, used by Fernando Diniz in the first two matches of the South American Qualifiers, against Bolivia and Peru. This time the games are against Venezuela, on the 12th, in Cuiabá, and Uruguay, on the 17th, in Montevideo.
“After the injury, there were complicated moments, a very difficult period. Only those who were by my side know everything I went through to overcome the frustration of not going to the World Cup and also to recover well and come back, even stronger. But here I am, firm and well focused. And, today, to brighten our lives, we received the news that I will fulfill my dream again, which is to wear the yellow shirt and represent our country”, celebrated Arana.
The full-back made a point of remembering everyone who supported him through this difficult time until his comeback. “The feeling is the best possible and it is not possible to express this feeling with just words. I would like to thank my wife, my parents, family and friends, who helped me move forward and were fundamental in me facing and overcoming countless challenges”, he stated.
He also spoke about all the support he received from Atlético-MG. “To Galo and fans, thank you for all your support and affection. You are important in my career and this return to the national team is something wonderful. I would also like to give special thanks to the club’s medical and physical department, who were with me from beginning to end and, without the work of these professionals, nothing would be possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you”, he celebrated.
Despite his happiness at being called up, Arana made a point of comforting Caio Henrique, who had a problem similar to his and had been away from the field for at least eight months.
“I also want to express, from the bottom of my heart, my sincere affection and support for Caio Henrique. I hope he has the best recovery possible and that he returns to the field very soon. Stay strong, as he will overcome this moment” .
