Abel frustrated by Palmeiras absences, should have all centre-backs for Cerro Porteño | OneFootball

Abel Ferreira lamented defensive absences after Palmeiras lost 3-2 to Fluminense at the Maracanã, but he should have his centre-backs restored for the Cerro Porteño decider on Wednesday.

Since the 3-1 win over Coritiba a month ago, Palmeiras have had at least one defender missing in every game, Globo.com reports.

Against Fluminense on Saturday, Abel used a back four of Giay, Gómez, Murilo and Piquerez. Recovering from appendix surgery, Bruno Fuchs made the squad for the first time in three weeks but lacked fitness to start. Barboza missed out with a foot problem.

The approach that had worked earlier in the year faltered, with Gómez the standout while Giay, Murilo and Piquerez struggled. Piquerez was replaced at half-time by Arthur.

For the trip to Asunción, Barboza is likely to return after a weekend rest, and Bruno Fuchs remains available with more recovery time. There is a strong chance Abel will have all five centre-backs available, something not seen since that Coritiba win.

The tie is 1-1 after the first leg at Nubank Parque. Another draw would take it to penalties, while any win sends Palmeiras into the Libertadores quarter-finals. A clean sheet would markedly improve their prospects.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”