Grêmio lose three for Santos clash as Luís Castro welcomes returns | OneFootball

Grêmio will be without young starters Gabriel Mec and Pedro Gabriel, plus centre-forward André Henrique, for the visit of Santos on Saturday, although some reinforcements are due back.

According to Globo.com, Mec and Pedro Gabriel are suspended after collecting their third yellow cards in the draw with Bahia, while André Henrique was booked on the bench. Kick-off is at 19:00 at the Arena in the 17th round of the Brasileirão.

Willian or Tetê could replace Mec, and Caio Paulista is expected to slot in at left-back. Pedro Gabriel’s cautions came against Palmeiras, Inter and Bahia, while Mec’s were against Atlético-MG, Vitória and Bahia.

The club plan to have Arthur back in the same area vacated by Mec. The midfielder is in the final stage of recovery from a right thigh injury. He could take the youngster’s spot, though the tendency is for him to return in Noriega’s place in midfield.

For the next league game, Pavon returns after serving a ban against Bahia, having been used out of position as a wing-back and full-back. Centre-back Gustavo Martins, sidelined after a knock against Confiança, could also return, although he is expected to remain out against Palestino on Wednesday.

Juan Nardoni remains sidelined with a left thigh problem diagnosed at the start of the month, and there is currently no indication he will be back at the weekend.

Before facing Santos, Grêmio host Palestino in the Sudamericana on Wednesday at 21:00. For that tie, Mec, André Henrique and Pavon are available, with Arthur considered a doubt.

Source: Globo.com