Khellven emerges as Palmeiras’ left-back solution amid injuries and youngster’s adaptation | OneFootball

Used at left-back again, Khellven helped Palmeiras to a 0-0 draw at Corinthians and strengthened his case for the role.

He started and played 71 minutes at Neo Química Arena in the Brasileirão, winning almost all his aerial and ground duels. He made three tackles and completed close to 90% of his passes, though his attacking output was curtailed by operating on the inverted side, where crossing on the non-dominant foot is an issue. According to Globo.com, the staff had earmarked him for this option during scouting and, after Jefté’s injury, stepped up his work on the left in training.

The reshuffle comes amid a difficult spell at left-back. Starters Piquerez and his deputy Jefté are sidelined without a firm return date. Jefté is likely to be back before Piquerez after a non-serious thigh muscle issue, while the Uruguayan has a right ankle ligament problem and should return around the World Cup period.

Palmeiras also have a natural left-back in Arthur, 20, an academy product who had earned the trust of Abel Ferreira and started when both seniors were absent. His Libertadores debut raised questions after he struggled against Junior Barranquilla’s full-backs, was booked and was replaced at half-time by Khellven.

On Sunday those roles flipped and maintaining Khellven’s improvisation in the derby was a technical choice. With the pair still in recovery at the Health and Performance Centre, Abel Ferreira must decide who starts against Sporting Cristal on Thursday at 19:00, with Palmeiras at home.

Source: Globo.com