Corinthians’ plans for called-up players against Athletico-PR explained | OneFootball

The board of directors of Corinthians has devised a special strategy to have their players called up to their national teams available for Wednesday’s decisive match against Athletico-PR, in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil.

In total, five players from Timão were called up to represent their respective countries during this FIFA window. They are: Hugo Souza (Brazil), Félix Torres (Ecuador), José Martínez (Venezuela), Romero (Paraguay), and Memphis Depay (Netherlands). However, not all of them will be available against Furacão.

Charter Flight for Hugo

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza is the one most likely to be available. The club chartered a private flight for the player, who was in El Alto for the Brazilian National Team’s match against Bolivia, in the last round of the South American Qualifiers.

Although he was far away, he did not play and should be able to play as usual.

Memphis Depay, meanwhile, is already with the black-and-white squad. He, who last played for the Netherlands on Sunday against Lithuania, when he even broke a record for the national team, returned to the Dr. Joaquim Grava Training Center last Tuesday and has already trained with his teammates.

However, there is a possibility the striker will be rested due to fatigue. He played at least 80 minutes in both matches for the Oranje.

In this case, the number 10 would start the match against Athletico-PR on the bench, making room for Gui Negão to remain among the starters.

And the others?

On the other hand, José Martínez, Romero, and Félix Torres are not expected to be available to coach Dorival Júnior. Gazeta Esportiva found that, unlike Hugo Souza, Corinthians did not charter private flights for the other call-ups. Therefore, they will return as usual with their respective national teams.

Romero even had a shorter trip, from Paraguay to Brazil. However, he started for Albirroja against Peru and played for 45 minutes. A similar case for Martínez, who also started for Venezuela against Colombia, staying on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

As a result, neither of them is in condition to play again in less than 24 hours. Therefore, they are expected to miss the Corinthians match.

Félix Torres, who did not leave the bench in the match against Argentina, could even play this Wednesday. However, since he faces a long journey back to Brazil, the tendency is that he will also not be included in the squad.

Confirmed Returns

While Dorival will not have all the call-ups available, he will have some starters returning. Striker Yuri Alberto, recovered from inguinal hernia surgery, and right-back Matheuzinho, who missed the last game due to a strain in his right thigh, will reinforce Timão.

On the other hand, midfielder Raniele, who is undergoing treatment for a muscle injury in his left thigh, is expected to be out. André Carrillo, who underwent surgery on his left ankle, is a definite absence.

Next Corinthians Match

Match Situation

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

The winner will face the winner of the Cruzeiro vs. Atlético-MG tie in the next round. Raposa won the first leg and will decide the derby at home, in Mineirão.

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