Corinthians’ options to replace Matheus Pereira against São Bernardo | OneFootball

Coach Dorival Júnior will have a headache when it comes to picking the midfield for Corinthians in this Sunday’s match against São Bernardo, for the eighth and final round of the Campeonato Paulista. The match kicks off at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estádio Primeiro de Maio, in the interior of São Paulo.

For this match, Corinthians will not have Matheus Pereira available. The midfielder will serve a suspension after receiving his third yellow card in the derby against Palmeiras.

Matheus Pereira’s absence comes at a complicated time for the coaching staff, who are already missing two other players from the sector. Breno Bidon (strain in the right hamstring) and André (ligament injury in the left ankle) are also expected to be out for Sunday’s match.

Assuming the coaching staff maintains the core of the team that started the last two games, Raniele, Carrillo, and Garro could start. That would leave one spot still open in the midfield quartet.

With limited options due to a crowded medical department and the contract termination of José Martínez, Corinthians heads into the match with only three options for the role: Allan, Charles, and Luiz Gustavo Bahia. Another name is Dieguinho, but he has very different characteristics from Matheus Pereira.

Another alternative would be a change in tactical formation, using wingers or a line of three center-backs, leaving only three men in midfield.

Allan’s Versatility

With the absences in the sector, there’s a possibility that Allan, Corinthians’ new signing for the season, could make his first start. The player made his debut last Thursday, coming on in the second half to replace Matheus Pereira.

The midfielder was praised by Dorival, who admitted he could use the player in other roles in the sector if necessary.

“We’ve always seen Allan more as a holding midfielder, in the same role as Raniele. But I believe Allan has much more to offer, to grow, perhaps in another role. We may vary a bit, changing things up depending on the needs and the difficulties we’ll face. But he’s a player who definitely adapts very well and will be very important for the improvement and growth of our team,” said the coach.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

More Absences

In addition to Matheus Pereira, Corinthians will also be without midfielders Breno Bidon and André, forward Kaio César, and left-back Hugo, all of whom are in the medical department. Furthermore, Angileri is undergoing physical reconditioning and is also unlikely to be available.

“I’d like to have him [Angileri] available yesterday, but it’s the same situation as the players who arrived last. We need to be more careful, get them conditioned, and then have the whole group available,” said the coach in a press conference after the win over Red Bull Bragantino.

Upcoming Corinthians Matches

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