Fiorentina's Dodo Nearing Return From Injury Ahead of Conference League Tie
Fiorentina defender Dodo has returned to first-team training and could be available for the club's crucial UEFA Conference League quarter-final first leg against Crystal Palace. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian right-back participated in nearly all of Monday's session at the Viola Park training ground, putting him in contention for the trip to London on Thursday. Manager Vincenzo Vanoli is hopeful of having the 25-year-old back in the squad for the European fixture.
Dodo has been sidelined with a muscular injury, missing Fiorentina's recent Serie A matches. His potential return is a significant boost for Vanoli, who is navigating a busy schedule and a congested treatment room. The report notes that other players, including Rolando Mandragora, Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, and Mattia Fortini, are progressing more slowly and continued with individualized recovery programs separate from the main group.
Acquired from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2022, Dodo has established himself as a key component of Fiorentina's defense when fit. His pace and ability to contribute in attack from the full-back position have been important assets for La Viola. His absence has been felt, particularly in a season where the club has competed on multiple fronts, currently sitting mid-table in Serie A while pursuing a second consecutive European final after last season's defeat in the Conference League final.
Vanoli's side faces a challenging test against a Crystal Palace team revitalized under new management. The availability of a seasoned defender like Dodo would provide a welcome option, either from the start or from the bench, as Fiorentina looks to secure a positive result away from home. The second leg will be held in Florence the following week. For Dodo personally, a return to action would mark a crucial step in regaining fitness for the final stretch of the season, where Fiorentina aims to salvage its campaign with a deep European run.
