Corinthians defender off with thigh issue, doubt for Libertadores decider | OneFootball

On Sunday night (16), Corinthians faced Cruzeiro at Neo Química Arena in a match valid for the 23rd round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship and lost 2-1. The goal for the club from Parque São Jorge was scored by center-back Gustavo Henrique. The defeat dropped the team to ninth place with 32 points — eight wins, eight draws, and seven losses — with 25 goals scored and 22 conceded.

In addition to the setback, Corinthians had a worrying situation during the second half. Center-back Gabriel Paulista, nine minutes into the second half, left the pitch after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. He was replaced by defender João Pedro Tchoca, who had not played since mid-March. Tonight, André Ramalho, who competes with both for a spot in the position, was unavailable due to labyrinthitis.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

At the moment, it is worth remembering, Timão has the following players in its medical department: defensive midfielder André Luiz (grade 2 injury to the back of the right thigh), midfielders Vitinho (recovering from surgery on the meniscus of the left knee) and Zakaria Labyad (undergoing surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee), as well as forwards Kayke Ferrari (recovering from surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee) and Yuri Alberto (being treated for a grade 2 injury to the back of the right thigh).

In a press conference after the final whistle, head coach Fernando Diniz was asked about the situation involving the number 3 shirt. The manager said the discomfort may still have been an effect of last Thursday’s match (13), the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, which ended in a 0-0 draw against Rosario Central. Even so, he said that, at first, the player’s situation is not worrying.

“Gabriel Paulista doesn’t know what happened. It could be a knock from the game against Rosario. Yesterday he had a slight pain. Today, during the play, he felt greater discomfort and decided to come off. But, at first, it’s not too worrying,” he said.

In the coming hours, the number 3 shirt should be reevaluated by Corinthians’ medical staff. As a result, he is a doubt for the second leg of the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. At 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) next Thursday (20), Alvinegro will host Rosario Central-ARG in Itaquera. In the first game, on Argentine soil, there was a scoreless draw. If there is another tie, the decision will be made on penalties.

Developed in the youth academies of Vitória and Taboão da Terra, Gabriel Paulista was signed at the start of the current season after spells in Spanish, English, and Turkish football. A Corinthians fan at heart, he has scored two goals in 36 matches for Timão (34 as a starter), with 16 wins, 10 draws, and 10 losses — a 53.7% success rate. He was part of the squad that won the Supercopa do Brasil in February against Flamengo at Mané Garrincha in Brasília. The defender scored the first goal in the 2-0 victory.

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