Arboleda sidelined, veteran set for São Paulo defensive return | OneFootball

Arboleda’s absence could open the door for the experienced defender Rafael Tolói to return to the São Paulo defense in the derby against Corinthians this Thursday, for the 34th round of the Brazilian Championship. The player has not taken the field for almost two months.

The 35-year-old’s last match was on September 29, against Ceará. After that, the defender suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh and was sidelined from the pitch.

(Photo: Rubens Chiri/São Paulo FC)

Tolói has recovered from the physical problem and was included in the squad for the last three matches of Tricolor, but did not leave the bench. However, Arboleda’s absence, due to a left thigh injury, has intensified the competition for a spot in the team’s defense.

The expectation was that Ferraresi would take the position, but the defender was called up by the Venezuelan national team and will play a friendly against Canada this Tuesday, two days before the Majestoso. Therefore, his availability is still uncertain.

More options

In addition to Rafael Tolói and Ferraresi, coach Hernán Crespo has other alternatives to compose São Paulo’s defensive line alongside Alan Franco. The squad also includes Sabino and Negrucci, who can be used as an improvised option.

If the Argentine coach decides to keep the three-center-back system and Ferraresi is available, the tendency is for Tricolor to have Alan Franco, Ferraresi, and Sabino (Tolói or Negrucci) in defense against Corinthians.

Tolói for São Paulo

Signed in mid-August, Rafael Tolói still hasn’t secured his place wearing the São Paulo shirt. So far, the player has played only three matches for the club.

Next match for São Paulo

São Paulo’s position in the standings

São Paulo has gone two matches without a win and sits in eighth place in the Brasileirão standings, with 45 points. The team’s goal is to secure a spot in the 2026 Libertadores. However, the gap to Fluminense, who currently holds the last G7 spot, is six points.

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