Escobar to miss Santos’ Copa Sudamericana second leg after booking | OneFootball

Santos will be without left-back Escobar for the Copa Sudamericana last-16 second leg against Macará next Thursday in Ambato, Ecuador, after he incurred a suspension. The match is scheduled for 19:00 Brasília time at Estadio Bellavista.

According to Globo.com, the defender collected his third yellow card in the first leg at Vila Belmiro. He was cautioned 16 minutes into the second half for a foul, which triggers the ban.

Head coach Cuca is expected to improvise a replacement at left-back. An alternative would be Vinícius Lira, but the youngster is still recovering from a serious left knee injury.

Earlier in the competition, Cuca tried under-20 player Rafael Gonzaga in the role. He struggled to impress and returned to the youth set-up, although he remains registered for the tournament.

Centre-back Luan Peres is another option, having previously filled in at left-back during an earlier spell at Santos. He started in central defence in the first meeting with Macará.

Barreal could also be used there, having played the position before, though the Argentine has been one of Santos’ key attacking performers this season.

Escobar is also one booking away from suspension in both the Campeonato Brasileiro and the Copa do Brasil, where he is on two yellow cards in each.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”