Oscar and Marcos Antônio return, boost São Paulo v Fortaleza | OneFootball

São Paulo is ready for the match against Fortaleza. On Wednesday morning, the Tricolor squad held their final training session in the capital and wrapped up preparations for the clash, valid for the 25th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Midfielders Marcos Antônio and Oscar, both recovered from injury, are included in the squad and will travel with the team.

At SuperCT, the coaching staff led by Hernán Crespo conducted technical drills and finishing exercises, as well as a small-sided game. The squad will travel to Ceará on Wednesday afternoon.

Important Returns and News

São Paulo has gained two important reinforcements for the match against Fortaleza. One of them is midfielder Marcos Antônio, who is available again after discomfort in the rectus femoris muscle of his right leg. He missed the defeat to Ceará last Monday.

The main news, however, is the return of Oscar. The number 8 has recovered from a fracture in three lumbar vertebrae and is expected to gradually gain minutes as he returns. The midfielder has not played since July 19, when he suffered the back injury.

Another reinforcement for São Paulo is defender Isac, from the under-20 squad, who was called up by Crespo to complete the squad due to a shortage of players in the position. The Tricolor will be without four of its five defenders, either due to injuries or suspensions, for the match against Fortaleza.

Major Absences

São Paulo will have a total of nine absences for the match against Fortaleza. The Tricolor suffered two more losses after the 1-0 defeat to Ceará. Defender Arboleda received his third yellow card and will serve a suspension, while defender Rafael Tolói suffered an injury to the posterior muscle of his left thigh and will also be out.

In addition, São Paulo will also be without Alan Franco, who has a muscle overload in the front of his right thigh, and Lucas Moura, who is being rested by Crespo for the derby against Palmeiras scheduled for this weekend.

The Tricolor will also be without Calleri (surgery on left knee), Ryan Francisco (surgery on left knee), André Silva (posterior cruciate ligament injury and anterior cruciate ligament strain in right knee), Luan (right adductor injury), and Ferraresi (left adductor injury).

Probable Lineup

With only one main squad defender available, there is a possibility that coach Hernán Crespo will change São Paulo’s tactical system against Fortaleza. The Tricolor had been playing in a 3-5-2 formation, but may switch to a back four. One option to maintain the system would be to improvise midfielder Negrucci, who has already played in that position in the derby against Santos.

A probable São Paulo lineup is: Rafael; Cédric Soares, Negrucci (Isac), Sabino and Enzo Díaz; Marcos Antônio (Alisson), Bobadilla and Rodriguinho; Rigoni, Ferreirinha and Luciano.

São Paulo’s Situation in the Brasileiro

São Paulo has stalled in the Brasileirão standings and sits in seventh place with 35 points. The Tricolor is going through a tough period this season and, in addition to being eliminated from the Libertadores, is suffering a streak of four consecutive defeats.

Upcoming São Paulo Matches

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