Alex Santana and Gui Negão among Corinthians players who could benefit under Diniz | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz could hand greater opportunities to several underused Corinthians players in the second half of the season. According to Globo.com, centre-back João Pedro Tchoca, midfielder Alex Santana and forward Gui Negão are among those who may benefit.

The first chance is expected to come in Sunday’s friendly in Cascavel, 16:00 Brasília time. Diniz is likely to start close to his preferred line-up, then make changes after the break.

The only fixture of the mid-season break will help him fine-tune work done at CT Joaquim Grava in recent weeks. Training has focused on attacking movements and finishing.

Amid a severe financial crisis and a transfer ban blocking registrations for 50 days, Corinthians are not expected to recruit heavily and intend to keep their core. That context suggests fringe players could see more minutes in the run-in.

Youngsters Luiz Gustavo Bahia and Gui Amorim are also in line for more chances. Players already involved, such as Zakaria Labyad and Kaio César, could further increase their minutes.

With possible departures of midfielders André and Breno Bidon and uncertainty over Memphis Depay’s future, Labyad and Kaio César may gain even more prominence and even push for starts.

Corinthians return to competitive action against Remo at Neo Química Arena on 23 July in the Campeonato Brasileiro. They will also contest the Conmebol Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil through to season’s end.

Source: Globo.com