Jonathan Linhares will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. This serious injury, however, does not jeopardize his future with Jimbee Cartagena, as his contract with the Navarrese team expires on June 30th. Confirmation reveals that the Brazilian player had already committed to the Melonera team for the next two seasons, with an optional third. Linhares declined Osasuna Magna’s renewal offer and reached an agreement with Jimbee Cartagena in early January, just before taking a short vacation to Brazil for his wedding.
Injury Time
Having spent four seasons in Pamplona, his absence will be keenly felt by the Navarrese team. Linhares sustained the injury during a friendly match against ATP Tudelano played in Noain. The team captain is scheduled for surgery in the coming days to initiate his recovery process. With an estimated recovery period of six to eight months, Linhares is expected to return in time for the delayed start of the next season, which is delayed due to the World Cup in Uzbekistan from September 14th to October 6th.
Eduardo Sao Thiago Lentz, also known as Duda, has designated Linhares as one of the right wingers responsible for compensating for the absence of Lucas Vinicius, Santana Brito, Lucão, and Javi Mínguez. Previously, the coach and sports director of Cartagena had finalized the signing of Francisco José Cortés from Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares. Cortés signed for three seasons, with an optional fourth, and together with Linhares, he represents the club’s strategy to offset the loss of two key players in their schemes.
Although Linhares’ injury is a setback, it does not disrupt the sports planning of Jimbee Cartagena. In the winter market, the club loaned promising Brazilian winger Hugo de Souza Bordim, known as Huguinho, to Córdoba. Huguinho will gain experience under the guidance of Josan González and could potentially join Cartagena’s squad next summer.
Meanwhile, Jimbee Cartagena aims to secure the renewal of Italian-Brazilian winger Gabriel Motta, whose contract expires on June 30th. President Miguel Ángel Jiménez is determined not to lose another key player. Looking ahead, the club has already secured the signing of Gonzalo Castejón from Family Cash Alzira since last summer.
