João Pedro Tchoca returns after almost five months, first outing under Diniz | OneFootball

João Pedro Tchoca made his first appearance in almost five months as Corinthians lost 2-1 to Cruzeiro at the Neo Química Arena on Sunday.

According to Meu Timao, it was his first outing under Fernando Diniz. He came on nine minutes into the second half after Gabriel Paulista went off with pain in his right thigh.

Tchoca had not featured since 19 March, a goalless draw with Chapecoense in the seventh round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, when Dorival Júnior was coach. He then went 27 matches without playing.

He underwent surgery to repair an inguinal hernia in May and was only available again after the World Cup pause, on 23 July, when Corinthians beat Remo 3-0 at the Neo Química Arena. Since recovering, he has been named on the bench for seven games.

His penultimate outing for Corinthians had also been against Cruzeiro, a 1-1 draw in the first round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, when he scored from a corner.

This season he has six appearances, comprising two wins, two draws and two defeats, with one goal and one yellow card.

Corinthians face Rosario Central on Thursday in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. A simple victory takes them into the quarter-finals, and a draw would send the tie to penalties. Tchoca should be available to Diniz.

Source: Meu Timao

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