Back from injury, Piquerez reclaims place in ‘new scenario’ at Palmeiras | OneFootball

Joaquín Piquerez is available again for Palmeiras this Sunday (6) against Botafogo in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. Recovered from a muscle issue in his thigh, the left-back is expected to return to the starting lineup for the match at Nilton Santos Stadium at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time).

The return comes at a different moment for the Uruguayan. Since arriving at Palmeiras in 2021, Piquerez has established himself as Abel Ferreira’s main option for the position and, despite the different alternatives used over the years, he had not faced consistent competition for a starting spot.

In 2026, however, injuries caused the situation to start changing. Piquerez missed some matches during the season and opened the door for Arthur, a product of the club’s youth academy, to get minutes and take over the position at certain times.

Arthur was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Mirassol, received his second yellow card, and had his suspension upheld by the Superior Court of Sports Justice. Palmeiras even appealed the decision, arguing that the foul had been committed by Lucas Evangelista, but the appeal was denied.

As a result, Piquerez appears to be the only natural option for the position against Botafogo. The Uruguayan had already been on the bench against Santos in the Copa do Brasil, but he did not take the field in Verdão’s qualification for the semifinal.

Piquerez and his former competitors

The left-back position has gone through several different names during Piquerez’s time at Palmeiras. The first was Jorge, signed at virtually the same time as the Uruguayan. However, the player failed to establish himself and later left the club.

Vanderlan, developed at the Academy of Football, was another player who received opportunities. The full-back gained space mainly during Piquerez’s absences and even directly competed for the position with other players in the squad.

In 2024, after a serious injury to Piquerez, the competition took on a new shape. Vanderlan and Caio Paulista began battling for the spot, and Caio ended up having the edge at that moment. The former São Paulo player started both matches against Flamengo in the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

Caio Paulista had arrived at Palmeiras precisely with the goal of increasing competition in the position. The club also let Jorge leave during that period, while Piquerez and Vanderlan were seen as the main options for the role.

More recently, Jefté was signed for left-back and also arrived with the mission of competing for space with Piquerez. The Uruguayan, however, continued to be the benchmark for the position.

Now, Arthur emerges as another alternative developed within the club itself. The youngster made the most of the opportunities he received during the periods when Piquerez was out and is beginning to establish a battle for the spot that, until then, the Uruguayan had not faced so clearly.

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