Corinthians missing five to face Platense in Libertadores group finale | OneFootball

Corinthians host Argentine side Platense at 21:30 on Wednesday in the final Group E round of the Copa Libertadores. According to Meu Timao, Fernando Diniz will be without five players, most through fitness issues.

Centre-back João Pedro Tchoca, recovering from inguinal hernia surgery, remains sidelined. Left-back Hugo Farias has not returned since right knee arthroscopy in February.

Forwards Vitinho, with hip pain, and Kayke, who tore the ACL in his left knee, are out, the latter for the season. Midfielder Alex Santana was separated from the squad at the start of the season and was not registered for the competition.

No Corinthians player is one booking from a ban, so only a red card could trigger a last 16 suspension. Any yellow cards collected in this final round, by Gabriel Paulista, André Luiz or others, will be wiped for the knockouts under tournament rules.

Corinthians are already through as Group E winners on 11 points. Platense have seven and Independiente Santa Fe five as they chase second. Peñarol are out on two points, but still contest third place and a Sudamericana play-off berth with Santa Fe.

The last 16 draw is on Friday from 12:00 in Luque, Paraguay, at Conmebol headquarters. As group winners, Corinthians will face a runner-up without seeding restrictions, which could produce Brazilian ties against Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, Fluminense or Mirassol.

Source: Meu Timao