Copa Santa Catarina: Figueirense makes room for youth and Barra welcomes.

O duelo entre Figueirense e Nação, marcado para este sábado às 15h, ganha destaque porque o clube de Florianópolis pode colocar em campo o atacante de 17 anos Thyerry Henrique. A oportunidade surge após a suspensão de Emerson Galego, expulso no empate com o Barra na primeira rodada.

Thyerry has a chance to start against Nação

Now integrated into the senior squad, Thyerry has yet to start a match. The center forward made his first-team debut during Série C, but has not yet had the opportunity to start a game. Now, with the absence of Emerson Galego, head coach Raul Cabral points to the youngster as one of the options to lead the attack.

Raul describes Thyerry as "a goalscoring number nine, a penalty-box striker, with strong runs into space and good finishing ability." The forward has scored nine goals in the Catarinense Under-20 Championship and 11 in the Under-17 State Championship, leading the U-20 category's scoring charts.

Krystian Cubas returns to Barra after stint in Portugal

Midfielder Krystian Cubas made his re-debut for Barra's senior team last Saturday against Figueirense, in the 1-1 draw that defined the second round of Copa Santa Catarina. His return comes after a standout season at Académico de Viseu, where he helped the club win the Under-23 Liga Revelação.

In an interview, Krystian stated he was happy with the new opportunity and highlighted the knowledge gained in Portugal. Prior to rejoining the senior squad, he featured in the final stretch of the Catarinense Under-20 Championship, recording four assists in four matches that led Barra to a runner-up finish in the state tournament.

Youth academy performances influence managerial decisions

Both clubs have been monitoring the performances of their youth prospects. Thyerry, who arrived at Figueirense in 2024 after coming through Avaí's academy, extended his contract through January 2029. His efforts in training have drawn praise, and the coaching staff sees the possibility of using him either as a starter or throughout the match.

At Barra, Krystian's participation in the Under-20 and Under-23 categories demonstrates the continuity of a project prioritizing talent development. His four assists in the U-20 campaign proved decisive in securing the state runner-up spot.

Immediate impact on the Copa Santa Catarina standings

The outcome of the clash between Figueirense and Nação could determine both clubs' positions in the group stage. Figueirense is seeking all three points to stay in contention to advance, while Nação aims to secure a point away from home. In the same group, the draw between Barra and Figueirense has already earned one point for each team.

With Thyerry's potential starting debut and Krystian's presence at Barra, the round promises to show how betting on youth can influence the competition's unfolding.

With information from ge, VAVEL.com.