Palmeiras defence seeks ideal form; injuries stop Abel's back three | OneFootball

Since the season resumed after the World Cup, Abel Ferreira has established a three-center-back system as Palmeiras’ main formation. However, constant injuries have prevented the coach from keeping what is considered his first-choice defense together for a longer run of matches.

So far, the ideal trio has started together only twice, in the wins over Vitória and Coritiba. Since then, physical issues have forced the coaching staff to make changes practically every game.

Among the center-backs in the squad, only Bruno Fuchs was sidelined for a reason other than muscle or impact injuries. The defender was unavailable due to appendicitis surgery, while the others have either needed to be rested or spent time in the medical department at some point.

At the moment, Gustavo Gómez is still in the final stage of physical recovery after suffering a thigh injury. The Paraguayan captain is making progress, but he is not yet available to return to the pitch.

Meanwhile, Alexander Barboza is being treated for a foot injury, an issue that also kept him out of the last match and continues to be monitored by the club’s medical department.

Abel Ferreira hopes to have his main defenders back in the coming weeks so he can finally give continuity to what is considered his ideal lineup. With a packed schedule including the Brazilian Championship, the Copa Libertadores, and the Copa do Brasil, defensive stability is seen as one of the key factors for Palmeiras in the decisive stretch of the season.

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