Zeca's Ankle Fracture Clouds Contract Future as Shandong Taishan Consider Changes

In the 71st minute of the FA Cup quarter-final, Zeca controlled the ball with his back to goal and turned at Jinan Olympic Sports Center before attempting to pass to Cryzan. A challenge from a Shanghai Port defender brought him down and his right ankle twisted outward.

Medical staff treated him, but repeated attempts to stand failed because of the pain. He was helped off the pitch and taken away on a medical cart.

Three days later, Shandong Taishan confirmed that Zeca suffered a right medial ankle fracture with an expected recovery period of six to eight weeks.

Fans first remembered Zeca when he joined from Pohang Steelers in winter 2024 after winning the Korean FA Cup and making the K League 1 Best XI. His size and link-up ability created expectations that he could replace Fellaini's role.

Zeca suffered a serious injury after joining and spent most of the 2024 season recovering before making his Chinese Super League debut in September.

In 2025, Zeca scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 25 matches. In the first half of 2026, he made 23 appearances with 22 starts, scoring nine goals and adding four assists.

Against Shanghai Port, Zeca was closely marked from the start. The defenders constantly limited his ability to turn toward goal, but he continued competing.

In the second half, Zeca dropped deeper to create chances for Cryzan and wide players, producing 38 key passes and 12 successful long passes.

However, his deeper positioning reduced his presence in the penalty area and weakened Taishan's attacking threat there.

In the 63rd minute, Zeca's long shot went just wide. Two minutes later he twisted his ankle in a challenge, received treatment and returned before the later injury.

Before the injury, Zeca had been adjusting his style. He is not a traditional target striker and prefers dropping back, which can overlap with Cryzan's movements.

Zeca recognized the issue and increased his penalty-area presence later in 2026. Against Zhejiang, he won three aerial duels, scored a header and provided an assist.

That adjustment had not fully become a stable habit before the ankle fracture interrupted his progress.

Based on the recovery timeline, Zeca may only return to training in early November, leaving little chance to play before Taishan's final league match on November 8.

His contract expires on December 31, 2026. Across three seasons, his availability rate is only 37%, with injuries becoming a major issue in his career record.

Compared with Wuhan Three Towns striker Aziz Kadioglu, who has maintained stronger availability and production, Zeca's durability is a concern.

From a sporting perspective, Zeca still offers valuable hold-up play, combination ability and space creation. Renewing him could also cost less than signing a new foreign player.

However, his low availability, salary level, tactical overlap with Cryzan and contract-year injury make renewal difficult. The club has started considering offers and searching for replacements.

With little pressure in the remaining league matches, Taishan can provide opportunities for young players such as Peng Xiao and Chen Zeshi to gain experience.

Zeca's priority is recovering from the ankle injury and removing injury concerns. He has shown he can compete in the CSL but needs consistent fitness.

No one can decide his next contract in advance. After returning from injury, Zeca will need performances on the pitch to determine his future path.