Persebaya Surabaya is confirmed unable to field the Brazilian striker Matheus Lagoa in the match against Persija Jakarta in the ninth week of the 2026/2027 Super League, held at Jakarta International Stadium on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
The certainty of Lagoa's absence was announced by Persebaya coach Bernardo Tavares at a press conference on Friday, 6 November. "He [Matheus Lagoa] is injured. Yes, what is the injury and when will he return? I'm not a doctor, but I can say that he is injured," Tavares said.
Tavares could not confirm the severity of the injury or estimate when the player, who was signed in September 2026, could return to strengthen the team. He added his hope for Lagoa's swift recovery, "Let's see in the coming days or weeks if he can help us."
Besides the injury issue, Persebaya comes into this match under pressure after only achieving a 1‑1 draw against Persijap Jepara in the previous game. Tavares acknowledged that result created internal pressure, "Historically, we see that at Persebaya when the team does not get a good result, there is certainly pressure."
However, the coach emphasized that the team's focus remains on matters they can control, especially preparation and work on the field. "What I can control is working on the field, and that is my mission and my job," he asserted.
Source: CNN Indonesia
