Andressa Alves back for Corinthians for clash with Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Corinthians will have an important boost as they begin the quarterfinals of the Brazilian Women’s Championship. Recovered from injury, Andressa Alves has returned to training normally with the rest of the squad and has been called up to face Cruzeiro this Monday (31), at 7:15 p.m. Brasília time, at Arena Independência in Belo Horizonte.

The midfielder traveled with the Corinthians delegation to Minas Gerais and could be used by head coach Emily Lima in the first knockout match. According to information published by Meu Timão, the No. 8 even appeared among the starters in a lineup tested by the coaching staff during preparations for the game.

Photo: Rebecca Reis / Staff Women

Andressa had been sidelined from group activities since early August, when she suffered an injury to the back of her left thigh. The physical issue caused the player to miss Corinthians’ last five matches of the season.

Her recovery progressed over the past few weeks. On August 20, the midfielder began the physical transition phase and was later cleared to resume training alongside her teammates. Now, she becomes an option again right at the start of the decisive stage of the Brasileirão.

Andressa had been standing out before the injury

Before being sidelined by the muscle problem, Andressa Alves had been a regular presence among Corinthians’ starters. In 2026, the No. 8 played 20 matches, scored four goals, and provided eight assists.

That assist tally also places the player among Brabas’ main attacking names this season. With eight assists, Andressa shares the squad lead in this category with Gabi Zanotti and Belén Aquino.

Her return gives Emily Lima more options to organize the midfield against Cruzeiro, especially in a match in which Corinthians will try to build an advantage for the second leg of the quarterfinals.

Ana Vitória is doubtful for the match

While Andressa Alves is available again, Ana Vitória’s presence remains uncertain. The defensive midfielder did not take part in the last Paulista Championship match after feeling muscular pain in the abdominal area and is doubtful for the game in Belo Horizonte.

If the player is not fit to play, Emily Lima has other alternatives for the position. One of them is Paola García, who also traveled with the delegation and has been called up for the match.

Corinthians begin the knockout stage after finishing the first phase of the Women’s Brasileirão in second place, with 38 points. Cruzeiro, meanwhile, advanced with the seventh-best campaign. The teams also met in the qualifying phase, when the team from Minas Gerais won 3-2 at Arena do Jacaré.

Monday’s clash also repeats the 2025 Brazilian Championship final. On that occasion, the teams drew 2-2 in the first leg at Arena Independência, and Corinthians won the title after a 1-0 victory in the return leg at Neo Química Arena.

After the match in Belo Horizonte, Corinthians and Cruzeiro will decide the semifinal spot next Monday (7), at 5 p.m. Brasília time. The second match will be hosted by Brabas, but the stadium has not yet been defined.

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