Corinthians hope to have Memphis Depay fit for Libertadores decider | OneFootball

Corinthians are working to have Memphis Depay among Fernando Diniz’s options for the decisive clash against Rosario Central of Argentina in the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. According to information from Meu Timão, confirmed by Central do Timão, the forward reported back to the club on Tuesday morning (18) and was present at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava.

The Dutchman returned to activities after progress was made in talks to renew his contract. The club is now seeking to finalize the paperwork for the new deal and complete the necessary procedures with the CBF so that Memphis is cleared and can be included in the squad for Thursday’s match (20), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

On Tuesday, the No. 10 did ball-work training at the club’s training center. The expectation is that the new contract will be sent to the CBF after signing so that the registration can be published in the Daily Information Bulletin (BID). Memphis is already registered by Corinthians for the Libertadores.

If all the bureaucratic steps are completed on time, the tendency is for the forward to start on the bench against Rosario Central. According to information published by ge, the player’s camp believes he is physically capable of playing between 30 and 45 minutes if Fernando Diniz chooses to use him. The team for the match should be defined in Wednesday’s training session (19).

The possibility of using Memphis had already been mentioned by Osmar Stabile after the Board of Guidance (CORI) meeting held last Monday (17). The president said Corinthians would try to speed up the formalization of the agreement to make the forward available.

Memphis returns to training after time out of action

The forward has not played a match since June 25, when he took the field for the Netherlands in a 3-1 win over Tunisia during the World Cup. After the Dutch national team’s elimination against Morocco, Memphis was given a period of rest and also followed the break in Corinthians’ schedule.

Even away from matches, the No. 10 maintained his physical preparation during the vacation period. The player trained alongside fitness coach Diego Pereira, who previously was part of Ramón Díaz’s coaching staff at Corinthians.

His return comes after a change in the situation involving his future at Parque São Jorge. Last week, Corinthians had ended negotiations over a renewal. Later, club and player resumed talks and reached new terms to make his stay possible.

On Monday, the agreement was taken to CORI because it involved figures that required the body’s review. After the meeting, Osmar Stabile confirmed that the process would move forward toward formalizing the new deal, which will last two more years.

Return could expand Fernando Diniz’s options

Memphis’s possible presence becomes important given the absences Corinthians have in attack. Yuri Alberto is out after suffering a grade 2 muscle injury in the back of his right thigh. Vitinho is recovering from a procedure on the meniscus of his left knee, while Kayke is still recovering after surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee.

Another player who should be available to Fernando Diniz is Gabriel Paulista. The defender had to leave Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Cruzeiro (16) in the Brazilian Championship after feeling discomfort during the second half. The center-back recovered well and is not a concern for the continental fixture.

On the other hand, Allan is a confirmed absence after being sent off in the first-leg clash against Rosario Central. André, Zakaria Labyad, Yuri Alberto, Vitinho and Kayke remain under the care of the medical department.

Memphis arrived at Corinthians in September 2024 and has made 79 appearances in the black-and-white shirt, with 20 goals and 15 assists. During his time at the club, he won three titles: the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa Rei.

Corinthians host Rosario Central this Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena. As the first meeting ended in a 0-0 draw at the Gigante de Arroyito, a win by any score will send Alvinegro into the Libertadores quarterfinals. In the event of another draw, qualification will be decided on penalties.

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