Palmeiras welcome Felipe Anderson back as Paulinho recovery gathers pace | OneFootball

Palmeiras have entered the Campeonato Paulista knockouts with an almost empty treatment room, Felipe Anderson returning on Sunday and Paulinho increasing his workload. According to Globo.com, the club are encouraged yet remain cautious over the No 10's next steps.

At the start of the season, Verdão had five players in treatment, Figueiredo, Lucas Evangelista, Paulinho, Felipe Anderson and Facundo Torres, who has since joined Austin FC in the United States. Figueiredo is still transitioning, while Evangelista returned and started the 1-1 draw with Guarani.

Felipe Anderson came on in the second half on Sunday after an ankle sprain in the Libertadores final, January knee discomfort and another ankle issue. He has played only two matches in 2026, both from the bench, unusual for the 32-year-old who once made 151 consecutive appearances for Lazio.

Out since July after a second operation on his right leg, Paulinho was cleared last week to raise his load with ball work and sessions inside the Academia de Futebol. He has since trained in boots on the grass, still apart from the group. The club want a measured return so he can finally shake off the pain that dates back to Atlético-MG.

Assistant João Martins said Paulinho needs time and that progress is very positive, but there is no return date. Even so, the club hope to begin his transition towards full training by the end of this month.

Source: Globo.com