Make-do or youngster? Corinthians’ right-back options with Matheuzinho out | OneFootball

Corinthians has a problem for the match against Fortaleza this Wednesday at Arena Castelão, in the 37th round of the Brazilian Championship. Coach Dorival Júnior will not be able to count on right-back Matheuzinho, who is suspended.

The alvinegro team does not have an immediate backup for the position since Léo Mana was loaned to Criciúma. Because of this, Dorival will be forced to improvise or turn to a youth academy player.

Dorival’s Options

The most likely path is that Corinthians will play with a line of three defenders, with Venezuelan José Martínez on the right wing. The defensive midfielder has already played this role recently. He played this way in the 1-0 victory over Vitória on October 25.

Another alternative is Félix Torres. The defender, however, is sidelined. The Ecuadorian hasn't even been included in the squad and last played over three months ago.

Midfielder Charles, who has also played as a right-back in a derby against Palmeiras, could be an option. However, he was punished with a two-match suspension by the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) and is out of the match.

If Dorival chooses to field a player from the position, there is the youth academy player João Vitor, known as ‘Jacaré’, who has never played among the professionals.

Eyes on the Copa do Brasil

With an eye on the clash with Cruzeiro in the semifinal of the Copa do Brasil, coach Dorival Júnior is considering resting players from Corinthians in this final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. The idea is to have 100% of the squad available in the best possible physical condition.

Therefore, it is likely that Timão will face Fortaleza, who are fighting against relegation, with an alternative lineup.

Corinthians’ Next Match

Standings Situation

Coming off a draw with Botafogo, Corinthians no longer have major ambitions in the Brasileirão. Dorival Júnior’s team, however, is trying to finish in eighth place to have a chance of securing a spot in the Libertadores in 2026, in case of failure in the Copa do Brasil.

Timão is in ninth place in the table, with 46 points, two fewer than eighth-placed São Paulo.

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