Grêmio has confirmed another medical absence for the remainder of the season, as goalkeeper Gabriel Grando will be sidelined after suffering a fracture in the fifth finger (pinky) of his right hand. The injury was reported shortly before the team's clash against Flamengo at the Arena, which marked the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship.

According to the club's medical department, the recovery timeline is estimated at around eight weeks, meaning Grando will be out until he is fully cleared to return to the pitch. This is a significant blow for the 24-year-old, who had recently lost his starting spot following the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Weverton. Grando had been serving as the immediate backup this season, making only three appearances in 2026, all in the Campeonato Gaúcho. His last official match was on January 31, in a 1-1 draw against Juventude.

With Grando unavailable, head coach Luís Castro will need to reorganize the goalkeeper bench. The coaching staff's immediate options include Thiago Beltrame, who now takes over as Weverton's primary backup, and Gabriel Menegon, who moves up the hierarchy as the third-choice goalkeeper for Grêmio. This reshuffle underscores the depth of the squad, but also highlights the challenge of maintaining consistency during a crucial stretch of the season.

Despite the medical setback, Grando remains highly regarded internally and is part of the club's long-term plans. Recently, Grêmio renewed his contract, securing his deal until the end of 2029—a clear sign of their faith in his potential. For fans and followers of the team, this injury is a reminder of the physical demands of the sport, but also an opportunity for other players to step up. As Grando works through his recovery, the team will look to maintain momentum in the league, with hopes that the young goalkeeper will return stronger than ever.