Swansea City winger Ronald is facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat to West Ham United on Saturday.
The Brazilian played the full 90 minutes for the Swans, filling in at right-back in the absence of the suspended Filip Lissah, in what was his first start of the season.
After coming close to leaving the Swans for Millwall on deadline day, he has since chipped in with an assist against Burnley and a goal, which ironically came against the Lions at The Den.
Injury Blow and Recovery Timeline
It's been something of an impressive turnaround for the winger, but he could miss around 10 games, and joins Josh Key on the sidelines ahead of Saturday's trip to Queens Park Rangers.
"Ronnie felt his hammy after the game, so we assessed and he's out for six to eight weeks. That is the news at the moment," said manager Matos.
"Keysey did today's first part of a session with us, so he's on his time with his rehab, but will still not be involved."
Impact and Contract Situation
Pressed on Ronald's injury, Matos added: "He's had an impact this season in different ways from last season.
"I think he's done really well off the bench already with two goals. He always impacts the game, works hard.
"I think he had a good game against West Ham in a position that we were adapting him to already for a period of time, expecting that something would happen and I think he did a really consistent game."
"It's not the most pleasant news but we are here to use the squad and to help them as well, recover and get back stronger."
It's a frustrating development for Ronald, whose upturn in form will have perhaps intensified attention around his contract situation.
The 25-year-old's current deal is set to expire this summer, although the club do have the option for another 12 months.
"It's something that we need to discuss internally," Matos added when asked if a new deal might soon be in the pipeline.
"It's about what is the best for all the parties and of course with Ronnie as well. When the time comes to be open with the future regarding him we will be."
Opportunity for Jeremy Monga
In terms of the more immediate future, Matos says Ronald's absence could potentially open the door to Manchester City loanee Jeremy Monga.
The 17-year-old hasn't featured in a matchday squad since joining on deadline day, and his situation has become a source of intrigue for many Swans fans.
However, Matos has suggested the youngster isn't too far away from potentially being considered.
"I think that's a natural question and a natural situation than when of course when one winger is injured that creates a gap. That is a space for another player to fill.
"Jeremy is one of our players. He's training well. I think he's getting step-by-step much more used to us and much more used to the environment and that's good."
