Corinthians still without trio for Velo Clube trip | OneFootball

Corinthians visit Velo Clube in Rio Claro on Sunday at 20:30 in the fifth round of the Campeonato Paulista. According to Meu Timao, head coach Dorival Júnior will be without three players.

The main absentee remains Dutch forward Memphis Depay. He is undergoing strengthening work after last year’s repeated fitness issues and has resumed on-pitch work, but continues to be rested. The expectation is for a return for the Supercopa do Brasil against Flamengo on 1 February.

Venezuelan midfielder José Martínez has yet to feature this year, remaining in his homeland to resolve passport matters. He was due back on Friday, but the club have not updated his status. The situation has caused unease at the club, particularly for Dorival, who has voiced his dissatisfaction more than once.

Centre-back Cacá also misses out with a strain to the left internal oblique, an abdominal injury. He was unavailable for the 1-1 draws with São Paulo and Santos and stays sidelined.

There is one addition, though, as Uruguayan right-back Pedro Milans is named in the squad for the first time and could start.

For the first time this year, Corinthians have players walking a suspension tightrope. Midfielders André Luiz and the Peruvian André Carrillo will miss Capivariano if booked against Velo Clube.

Corinthians sit eighth on five points. With half of the first phase played, staying in the top eight will be key to reaching the knockouts.

Source: Meu Timao