Hugo likely out, academy youngster gets another chance at Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians could have a new face in the lineup to take on Fluminense at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Wednesday at the Maracanã, in the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship. A product of the club’s academy, goalkeeper Felipe Longo may get another chance in goal for the Alvinegro side.

The opportunity comes amid the possible absence of Hugo Souza, who was called up to represent the Brazilian National Team in friendlies against France and Croatia after Alisson was ruled out with an injury.

Brazil’s match against Croatia is scheduled for this Tuesday. The game will be played at 9 p.m. in Orlando, United States. Given the complicated logistics, the expectation is that Hugo will miss out for Timão or, at most, be an option on the bench.

One alternative to have Hugo Souza available would be to charter a plane to bring him back from the United States. However, the cost of the operation is a hurdle for the club, which is going through a serious financial crisis.

As a result, Felipe Longo is expected to get another opportunity in Corinthians’ goal. Developed in the club’s youth academy, the player has recovered from a ligament strain in his right elbow and could start against Fluminense.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

If he is confirmed in the starting lineup, which will be announced one hour before kickoff, Felipe Longo will play for Timão again after two months. Seen as Hugo’s immediate backup after Matheus Donelli’s departure, the academy product has played just one match this season.

Felipe Longo’s first and only game in 2026 came in the 3-0 win over Capivariano on February 5 at Neo Química Arena, in the first phase of the Paulista Championship. On that occasion, coach Dorival Júnior gave several academy players a chance and fielded an almost entirely reserve side.

Since then, Felipe Longo has not taken the field again for Corinthians, appearing only on the bench. In fact, the goalkeeper will return to the matchday squad after more than a month, as he had been recovering from the elbow injury.

During Longo’s absence, Kauê, another young goalkeeper developed in Timão’s youth ranks, took over as Hugo Souza’s immediate backup. If the No. 40 is not fit enough or lacks match rhythm, Kauê is emerging as the main option to replace Hugo.

Longo’s numbers for Corinthians

An academy product, Felipe Longo made his senior debut for Corinthians in October 2025, in the derby against Santos. Altogether, he has made seven appearances for the first team, with two clean sheets and 10 goals conceded.

How are Timão coming into the match?

Corinthians are looking to respond to the faithful fans after a run of seven games without a win — five draws and two defeats in that span. In the Brasileirão, the Alvinegro team sits 11th with 10 points.

In addition to Hugo Souza, Timão will also be without Memphis (strain in the front muscle of the right thigh), Gui Negão (strain in the back muscle of the right thigh), Kaio César (perifibrotic inflammation in the back muscle of the right thigh), Hugo (knee surgery), Carrillo (called up by Peru), and Raniele (suspended).

Corinthians’ upcoming matches

Fluminense vs Corinthians (ninth round of the Brazilian Championship) Date and time: 04/01 (Wednesday), 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Corinthians vs Internacional (10th round of the Brazilian Championship) Date and time: 04/05 (Sunday), 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo (SP)

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