Corinthians may get four key players back for Copa do Brasil clash | OneFootball

Coach Dorival Júnior hopes to have some important returns for the next commitment of Corinthians, against Athletico-PR, in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. The team is taking advantage of the free period during the FIFA date to recover players and may have the return of up to four starters in the decisive match.

Who might return?

Forward Yuri Alberto is expected to at least be included in the squad for the match. The number 9 has returned to training normally after undergoing inguinal hernia surgery and is expected to reinforce Timão much earlier than the initial forecast of four to eight weeks.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Right-back Matheuzinho, who missed the derby against Palmeiras due to a thigh strain, is also expected to be available for Dorival. On the other side of the field, left-back Matheus Bidu, who was suspended in the Derby, is another returnee.

The biggest doubt concerns midfielder José Martínez. The player, almost recovered from hand surgery, will defend the Venezuelan national team, which is competing in the Qualifiers, on the eve of the duel with Furacão.

Martínez is a starter for Venezuela, which is unlikely to spare any effort, as the country is fighting for a spot in the next World Cup. Therefore, depending on his playing time, the athlete may miss Corinthians. The management is studying ways to arrange logistics to ensure the return of all called-up players in time.

In addition to the Venezuelan, Hugo Souza (Brazil), Félix Torres (Ecuador), Romero (Paraguay), and Memphis Depay (Netherlands) will also serve their respective national teams during this FIFA date.

Likely absence

On the other hand, Dorival is likely to face a setback in midfield. Midfielder Raniele suffered a thigh muscle injury against Palmeiras and will probably not be fit to play.

If Raniele and José Martínez are unavailable, the coach is expected to have Maycon and Charles as the midfield duo. Ryan and André Luiz from the youth team are also in contention.

Midfielder André Carrillo, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is a confirmed absence. The Peruvian is not expected to play again this season.

"All of this is being organized and coordinated. I hope I can have them in condition. Prediction is one thing, confirmation is another. We are waiting for these players to recover. Only Carrillo will be a slower situation, but the expectation is positive, and we are doing everything to have the players for the return match," said Dorival in the last press conference.

Next Corinthians match

Match situation

With a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Curitiba, Timão only needs a draw to advance to the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. In case of a one-goal defeat, the match will go to penalties. A loss by two or more goals eliminates the São Paulo team.

The winner of the match will face the winner of the clash between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG in the next phase. Raposa took the lead in the first leg and will decide the derby at home, at Mineirão.

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