Gustavo Gómez back for Palmeiras v Grêmio after Libertadores ban | OneFootball

Gustavo Gómez is back available for Palmeiras for the match against Grêmio on Sunday (20), at 11 a.m., at Arena do Grêmio, in the Brazilian Championship. The captain missed the team’s game against LDU because he had to serve an automatic suspension in the Libertadores.

The punishment was limited to the continental tournament and does not affect the defender’s participation in the Brasileirão. Therefore, Gómez can be used normally by Abel Ferreira in the 28th-round clash.

Gómez traveled with Palmeiras to Quito

Even though he was not able to play, Gustavo Gómez traveled to Ecuador and followed the squad’s preparation. The captain’s presence was valued internally because of the importance the player has within the group.

Without the Paraguayan, Abel Ferreira lined Palmeiras up with three center backs against LDU. Bruno Fuchs, Benedetti, and Murilo made up the defensive unit in the match played in Quito.

Verdão conceded three goals, two of them headers in stoppage time of the second half. LDU won 3-2 and leveled the aggregate score, but Palmeiras secured qualification on penalties with two saves by Carlos Miguel.

Captain could reclaim his spot in the team

Gómez’s return gives Abel the option of restoring the usual defensive setup. The final lineup decision, however, will depend on the physical assessments carried out after the trip to Ecuador.

Palmeiras will have less than four days between the decider at Quito’s altitude and the match in Porto Alegre. Because of that, the coaching staff may manage the minutes of part of the squad and make changes against Grêmio.

As he did not play on Wednesday, Gómez arrives for the match without the wear and tear from the game against LDU. The center back took part in Palmeiras’ activities in Ecuador and stayed with the delegation throughout the preparation period.

Suspension does not carry over to the Brasileirão

Cards received in the Libertadores apply exclusively to the competition organized by Conmebol. Therefore, the suspension served by Gómez does not also need to be applied in the Brazilian Championship.

The same principle applies to Abel Ferreira. The coach was sent off during the clash with LDU, but he will be able to manage Palmeiras normally against Grêmio. Abel will only be absent from the bench in the first match against Fluminense in the Libertadores semifinal.

Palmeiras’ next game

The clash will be Palmeiras’ last before a break in the schedule. After the visit to Grêmio, the next match is scheduled for October 8, against Bahia, at Nubank Parque.

Frequently asked questions

Why didn’t Gustavo Gómez play against LDU?

The center back received his third yellow card in the Libertadores and had to serve an automatic suspension in the second leg of the quarterfinals.

Can Gustavo Gómez face Grêmio?

Yes. The suspension was limited to the Libertadores, and the captain is cleared to play in the Brazilian Championship.

When will Grêmio vs Palmeiras be played?

Grêmio and Palmeiras face each other on Sunday, September 20, at 11 a.m., at Arena do Grêmio, in the 28th round of the Brasileirão.

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