José Martínez absence irks Corinthians, Dorival calls situation an unknown | OneFootball

José Martínez’s prolonged absence is unsettling Corinthians’ hierarchy and coaching staff, with the midfielder still in Venezuela almost two weeks after the squad returned from the break. According to Globo.com, he has yet to report back.

Asked about the situation after the 3-0 defeat by RB Bragantino on Thursday, Dorival appeared uncomfortable and kept it brief, calling Martínez’s status an unknown and saying he had no position.

This is not the first time he has been late to a return, and in October 2025 he was fined for missing training.

Martínez has completed all steps to renew his passport and is waiting for the new document, which should come at the end of next week. He travelled home late in 2025 to help renew his Brazilian work visa.

After the United States captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, some public services were halted or slowed, leaving the player in the country longer than planned.

He has been working with a fitness coach and Corinthians are monitoring from afar, sending him training plans. Even so, staff consider it hard to control the workload and view his absence as harmful to him and the team.

Martínez will miss Sunday’s clássico against São Paulo at 16:00 at Neo Química Arena.

Source: Globo.com