Corinthians face Portuguesa with five absentees and two doubts

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Central do Timão

·22 February 2026

Corinthians face Portuguesa with five absentees and two doubts

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians faces Portuguesa this Sunday at 8:30 PM at Canindé, in a single match valid for the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Paulista. For the decisive duel, it is likely that Dorival Júnior will make changes to the starting lineup.

The coach will not be able to count on four players who are still under the care of the medical department. Left-back Hugo is recovering from surgery on the lateral meniscus of his right knee. Forward Kaio César is in the physical transition phase after treating an injury to the posterior muscle of his right thigh. Yuri Alberto, on the other hand, is recovering from a muscle problem in the biceps femoris of his left thigh.

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The list of absences, however, is not limited to the injured. Defender Cacá is also out, as he is negotiating his contractual situation with Vitória. In addition, midfielder José Martínez is not expected to play for the club anymore: the Venezuelan suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and already has his contract termination underway.

There are also situations that create doubt for the technical staff. Midfielder Matheus Pereira left the last game against Athletico Paranaense after feeling pain in his left thigh and will be re-evaluated. Meanwhile, Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad, recently announced by Corinthians, has not played an official match since November 2025, which requires special attention to his physical condition.

While there are absences and uncertainties, Dorival may gain important reinforcements. Midfielder Breno Bidon, recovered from a strain in the posterior muscle of his left thigh, has already returned to training with the group and is available. Another possible return is Argentine left-back Fabrizio Angileri, who has undergone a physical reconditioning process.

A positive factor for Timão is that no player is at risk of suspension. Thus, even in the event of a yellow card warning, there will be no automatic absences for a potential semifinal, scheduled for the next weekend, between February 28 and March 1.

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