André Carrillo could earn first run as a starter under Fernando Diniz | OneFootball

Corinthians are preparing for one of the most important matches of the season, and a possible choice by Fernando Diniz could represent something new for André Carrillo. If he is named in the starting lineup against Rosario Central this Thursday (20), the midfielder will start two consecutive matches for the first time since the coach took charge of the club.

Carrillo started last Sunday (16), when Corinthians were beaten 2-1 by Cruzeiro at Neo Química Arena in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. The Peruvian stayed on the field for 79 minutes before being replaced by Matheus Pereira.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

His place in the starting lineup came at a special moment for the No. 19. Recently, Carrillo reached the mark of 100 matches for Corinthians and received a tribute from the club for the number of games played in the black-and-white shirt.

Despite featuring frequently under Fernando Diniz, the 35-year-old has still not managed to establish himself in the starting team for two straight matches. Since the coach arrived at Parque São Jorge, he has had five opportunities as a starter in 25 matches, all in the Brazilian Championship.

The first came in the goalless draw against Vitória on April 18. After that, Carrillo started the 3-2 win over São Paulo and the 3-1 defeat to Botafogo, both in May. More recently, he returned to the starting team in the 0-0 draw with Athletico-PR on July 30 and in the loss to Cruzeiro last weekend.

Even without a run among the starting 11, the Peruvian has been used regularly by Diniz. Throughout the coach’s time in charge of Corinthians, Carrillo has failed to get on the pitch in only four matches. The last time he stayed on the bench for the full 90 minutes came before the break for the World Cup, in the 1-1 draw with Peñarol in Montevideo in the fifth round of the Libertadores group stage.

Last run came under Dorival Júnior

The last time Carrillo started two consecutive matches for Corinthians was in January, when Dorival Júnior was still in charge of the team.

On the 18th of that month, the midfielder started in the 1-1 draw with São Paulo at Neo Química Arena. Four days later, he was again among those chosen to start the derby against Santos at Vila Belmiro, which also ended level by the same score.

Now, more than seven months later, the Peruvian has the chance to repeat that run in a continental knockout match.

Battle for a place against Rosario Central

The midfield situation increases Carrillo’s chances of starting this Thursday’s match. Allan is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg against Rosario Central, while André Luiz is still recovering from a muscle injury in the back of his thigh.

In addition to the Peruvian, Fernando Diniz has Raniele, Breno Bidon, Charles, Alex Santana and Matheus Pereira as options to build the midfield.

Corinthians and Rosario Central face off this Thursday at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16. The first meeting, played in Argentina, ended in a 0-0 draw.

With the aggregate score level, Timão need a win by any margin to advance to the quarterfinals. If there is another draw, qualification will be decided on penalties.

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