Paulinho’s cautious Palmeiras comeback gathers pace with vital goals | OneFootball

Paulinho is not yet at 100 percent, but his Palmeiras return gathered pace with the 1-0 win over Chapecoense in São Paulo last Sunday.

Globo.com reports Palmeiras managed his comeback cautiously, keeping him in extended physical transition and travelling when unselected, before clearing him early this month. He says the bone is almost healed.

Since returning in the draw with Santos, he has been kept under 30 minutes before the World Cup break, although he logged 33 against Chapecoense.

This month he has played eight games for 114 minutes, averaging 14, also scoring at the Maracanã against Flamengo, and he has no assists.

He said he is used to 90 minutes, did so for nearly two years at Atlético, including a year with his leg practically fractured. Watching big moments from the sideline has brought anxiety, so he is focusing on calm decision-making.

A new plan is set. He will take a break, while Vitor Roque continues treatment and is due back with the squad on 21 June. Paulinho will rest the leg, return slightly earlier for reintroduction, and says he will be ready to play more than 45 minutes, targeting a first start in over a year.

He will resume physiotherapy with a heavier load, alternating indoor work and pitch sessions in the early weeks after reporting back.

Suspended by the STJD for his celebration against Flamengo, he will miss Palmeiras’ first game after the Brasileirão restarts, against Coritiba on 22 July.

Source: Globo.com