Gustavo Gómez absence tests Palmeiras defence for decisive Libertadores trip to Quito | OneFootball

Palmeiras will be without captain Gustavo Gómez for the CONMEBOL Libertadores quarter-final second leg against LDU in Quito on Wednesday 16. According to Nosso Palestra, the defender serves a one-match ban after receiving a third yellow card in the first leg. Palmeiras won that game 1-0.

His absence deprives the back line of its on-field leader at a time of high defensive demand. It is another major knockout tie missed by the Paraguayan, who was also suspended for the 2025 Club World Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

Despite being unavailable, Gómez has travelled with the squad to Quito and is involved in preparations, staying close to the group before the decider.

Murilo is likely to take the captain’s armband, with the coaching staff finalising the shape of the defence. Bruno Fuchs is a candidate to come in, while Abel Ferreira has trialled other options during the build-up.

Palmeiras take a 1-0 lead into Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, yet the altitude presents a further test. They must manage the game and protect their advantage to confirm qualification.

Source: Nosso Palestra

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