Expert: Yuri Alberto could return soon for Corinthians

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Central do Timão

·19. Februar 2026

Expert: Yuri Alberto could return soon for Corinthians

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians is facing a significant squad problem after their 1-0 victory over São Bernardo last Sunday (15). After undergoing tests, a grade 2 muscle injury was confirmed in the left thigh biceps femoris of striker Yuri Alberto. Given this diagnosis, a question arises: how much could his absence impact the team?

In an interview with TMC, physiotherapist Rodrigo Oliveira, a member of the National Society of Sports Physiotherapy and Physical Activity (Sonafe), detailed the situation and the recovery process for the injury suffered by the Corinthians striker.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“It is a moderate injury, with partial structural damage to the muscle. There is more intense pain, functional loss, and difficulty continuing sports activity,” explained Oliveira, emphasizing that the problem is recurrent in sports with high physical demands, such as football.

According to the specialist, although it requires care, the prognosis is usually positive when the protocol is strictly followed. “Grade 2 injuries are relatively common in football and, when treated with the appropriate protocol and individualized load management, allow for a full return to performance. The main risk is recurrence. Studies indicate that after the first injury, the chance of a new episode in the same leg can be up to four times higher compared to athletes with no previous history. Therefore, load management and safe progression during the return are fundamental,” he pointed out.

Treatment initially involves controlling the inflammatory process and protecting the affected area, in this case, the left thigh. “After that, muscle restructuring begins with progressive strengthening exercises, first at controlled levels and then with a gradual increase in load,” the physiotherapist explained.

After this stage, the transition to the field begins. The athlete progresses from light running on the pitch to more intense activities, fully participating in training before being cleared to play again.

Yuri Alberto has even earned the nickname “Wolverine da Fiel” from the fans, in reference to the Marvel Comics character known for his “healing factor.” This reputation comes from his quick recoveries in the past. In 2025, for example, the striker underwent surgery to treat an inguinal hernia and returned to play about a month later, even though the usual recovery time is estimated at up to three months.

Regarding the current time away, Rodrigo Oliveira indicated a variable timeframe. He explained to TMC that players can take between 19 and 36 days to return after a grade 2 injury, depending on several factors.

“For a grade 2 biceps femoris injury, the average recovery time is 19 to 21 days. This period can extend up to around 36 days, depending on factors such as previous injury history, age, the athlete’s physical characteristics (such as top speed), individual response to treatment, and load management during the process,” highlighted the physiotherapist.

“The decision to return does not depend only on time, but on the strict fulfillment of the clinical, physical, and psychological criteria established by the multidisciplinary team,” he added.

Taking this projection into account, the expectation is that Yuri Alberto will only be available again towards the end of March. Between February 16 and March 31, Corinthians has at least seven scheduled matches, a number that could increase if they advance to the decisive stages of the Campeonato Paulista.

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