Dorival faces dilemma at Corinthians ahead of Copa do Brasil semi-final | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior faces a dilemma at the helm of Corinthians in the final stretch of this season. The coach still dreams of a spot in the 2026 Libertadores through the Brazilian Championship, but is exercising caution to avoid new injuries due to accumulated fatigue, with an eye on the decisive phase of the Copa do Brasil.

Although the priority is to play the Copa do Brasil semifinal against Cruzeiro with the entire squad available, Dorival has been using his best players in the last rounds of the Brasileirão.

The Corinthians coaching staff believes they need to take the last matches seriously and secure as many points as possible. The goal is to keep the group focused and try to qualify for the next edition of the Copa Libertadores.

The team, however, is far from the G7. The gap to Fluminense, who are in seventh place, is nine points. As a result, some fans are already advocating that Timão rest its players in the last five rounds to ensure the squad is healthy for the clash with Cruzeiro, which will take place on December 10 and 14.

In a poll conducted on the Gazeta Esportiva website, 63.8% of fans voted that Dorival should rest the players in the final stretch of Série A.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Medical Department Situation

At the moment, Corinthians has only two players in the medical department. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who is treating a trauma to his left thigh, could reinforce the team as early as this Thursday, against São Paulo. Meanwhile, midfielder Raniele is recovering from an adductor injury in his right leg.

Midfielder Maycon has been complaining of pain in his right knee, but for now, it is not a concern. In addition, two players have recently left the medical department: André Luiz and Vitinho.

Corinthians' Next Match

Rise Halted

Corinthians had its rise halted in recent matches. Dorival Júnior's team was coming off three consecutive wins, but then lost in succession to Red Bull Bragantino and Ceará, becoming stuck in the middle of the Brazilian Championship table.

Timão occupies 13th place in the tournament, with 42 points earned.

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