From rest to a marathon: Palmeiras face Bahia, Corinthians, Libertadores | OneFootball

After a run of decisive matches and travel in the Copa do Brasil, Libertadores, and Brazilian Championship, Palmeiras will have an important period during the September and October FIFA international break for physical recovery and squad preparation. The break begins after the 0-0 draw with Grêmio and will keep Verdão off the pitch for a few weeks.

The interval could also be especially important for Paulinho, who is recovering from a new muscle injury and is expected to return right after the FIFA break. The forward suffered an injury to the long adductor tendon in his right thigh when he was close to returning to action.

FIFA break gives time for Paulinho to recover

Paulinho has been sidelined since the end of August and has already missed a series of matches for Palmeiras. The medical department’s initial expectation is for him to return after the FIFA break, which opens a window for the player to progress in his recovery without the need to speed up the process for a specific match.

The forward had already been coming off a long recovery period and ran into physical problems again precisely while trying to gradually increase his workload. According to medical coordinator Pedro Pontin, this type of situation can happen when an athlete is gradually exposed again to the strength, speed, and intensity demands of football.

Palmeiras return straight into a heavy stretch

The rest, however, will have an end date. The calendar has a true marathon in store for Palmeiras immediately after the FIFA break.

The first commitment will be against Bahia, on October 8, at Nubank Parque, in the 29th round of the Brasileirão. Just three days later, on October 11, Verdão host Corinthians in the Brazilian Championship.

After that, Palmeiras will face Fluminense in the Libertadores semifinal, with the first leg scheduled for October 14. The return leg is set for October 21, at Nubank Parque.

Schedule after the FIFA break

08/10 — Palmeiras vs BahiaBrasileirão — Round 29Nubank Parque

11/10 — Palmeiras vs CorinthiansBrasileirão — Round 30Nubank Parque

14/10 — Fluminense vs PalmeirasLibertadores — semifinal, first legMaracanã

17/10 — Athletico-PR vs PalmeirasBrasileirão — Round 31Ligga Arena

21/10 — Palmeiras vs FluminenseLibertadores — semifinal, second legNubank Parque

24/10 — Palmeiras vs Red Bull BragantinoBrasileirão — Round 32Nubank Parque

In other words, in just over two weeks, Palmeiras could play six matches, including two derbies/national clashes in the Brasileirão and a Libertadores semifinal.

Rest now, decisions later

The FIFA break comes at a particularly important moment for Palmeiras. João Martins highlighted that the period is useful for the squad’s physical and mental recovery, but also acknowledged that call-ups make the coaching staff’s work more difficult.

Palmeiras will have seven players called up by four national teams, precisely during a period in which Abel Ferreira would like to work with the full group. On the other hand, the players who remain at the Academia will be able to receive individualized attention, while players like Paulinho will have more time to progress in their recovery.

From October onward, however, the scenario changes completely: Bahia, Corinthians, Fluminense, and a run of matches in the Brasileirão and Libertadores will once again put the squad in front of a marathon.

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