Chiba's Matheus Índio out with ruptured left patellar tendon

JEF United Chiba midfielder Matheus Índio has suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee, the club announced on Monday, according to Soccer King. The injury occurred during training on October 29. The club did not disclose a recovery timeline, though the nature of the injury suggests an extended absence.

The 27-year-old joined Chiba on a permanent transfer in July. He had made 10 appearances in the 2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League and scored his first goal since arriving in Japan in a 1-2 loss to Shimizu S-Pulse on September 19. He had also featured in the Emperor's Cup, starting against Fagiano Okayama before going off injured early, and came on as a substitute in two consecutive league matches against Urawa Reds, but was left out of the squad for the last two games.

In a club statement, Matheus Índio said he was in a difficult period and thanked supporters for their messages, vowing to rehabilitate fully and return stronger than before.

Chiba sit 17th in the J1 table with 13 points from three wins, four draws and seven losses after 14 matches, having won their last two league games against Avispa Fukuoka and Mito HollyHock.