Corinthians' absentees for Platense-ARG clash in Libertadores | OneFootball

Corinthians host Platense of Argentina on Wednesday night (27) at Neo Química Arena, in a match valid for the sixth and final round of the Conmebol Libertadores group stage. The two teams faced each other in the tournament opener, on Argentine soil, and Timão won 2-0, with goals from forwards Kayke and Yuri Alberto – the only meeting between the sides in history.

The Corinthians coaching staff has five absences for the match: center-back João Pedro Tchoca (recovering from inguinal hernia surgery), left-back Hugo Farias (recovering from arthroscopy on his right knee), defensive midfielder Alex Santana (could not be registered for the group stage), as well as forwards Vitinho (pain in his right hip and a hamstring tendon injury) and Kayke (surgical procedure on the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)). No player is at risk of suspension with two yellow cards.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Corinthians Agency

Thus, according to ge.globo, Corinthians are expected to start the match with: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu; Raniele (Allan), André (André Carrillo), Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro; Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto. Timão, with 11 points – three wins and two draws, with eight goals scored and two conceded – have already secured top spot in Group E and are still chasing the best overall record in this stage of the tournament.

Securing the best overall record would be crucial for Corinthians, as they would play all knockout matches at Neo Química Arena through the semifinals. The final, on the other hand, is played at a neutral venue in a single match. Alvinegro are trying to win the Libertadores for the first time since 2012, the year of their only title in the international tournament so far.

Since then, their best campaign came in 2022, when they were eliminated by Flamengo in the quarterfinals – Flamengo went on to become champions that year. Meanwhile, in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018, they were knocked out in the round of 16. In 2020 and 2025, they were eliminated in the preliminary stage.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.