FC Porto Winger Gabriel Mec Sidelined With Left Thigh Injury
The 18-year-old Brazilian player joins three teammates on the clinical department list.
FC Porto announced on Sunday evening that forward Gabriel Mec has suffered a left thigh muscle injury, forcing him to miss the team's 2-1 away victory against Vitória SC in the 11th round of the I Liga. The 18-year-old Brazilian international has seen his momentum interrupted just as he was beginning to secure regular minutes under manager Francesco Farioli.
Prior to this physical setback, the young winger had featured in two matches for the senior squad, contributing to victories against Académico de Viseu and Estoril. He was previously unavailable for a UEFA Champions League fixture against Napoli because he was not registered for the competition.
Mec joined the Estádio do Dragão side during the summer transfer window from Grêmio. The transfer involved an initial fee of 11 million euros, which could potentially rise to 12 million euros depending on the fulfillment of specific sporting objectives. Upon his arrival, he signed a contract valid until June 2031, which features an 80 million euro release clause.
With this latest setback, Gabriel Mec becomes the fourth player currently under the care of the FC Porto medical department. He joins Chris Smalling, Vasco Sousa, and William Gomes, whose physical conditions are also being closely monitored by club staff.
Chris Smalling has been sidelined since October 28 due to an injury to the internal collateral ligament of his right knee, sustained during his debut appearance against Académico de Viseu in the League Cup. Meanwhile, Vasco Sousa has been out of action since December 14, 2025, after suffering a severe right fibula fracture while playing on loan for Moreirense against Benfica. William Gomes continues his recovery from a grade two sprain in his right ankle, which he picked up on October 10 during a league fixture against Marítimo.
Mec is expected to use the upcoming international break to undergo treatment and recovery. Despite these ongoing injuries within the squad, FC Porto remains at the top of the I Liga standings, holding 33 points after maintaining a flawless record in their opening fixtures. They currently hold a five-point lead over second-placed Benfica and a nine-point advantage over Sporting in third place.