Palmeiras on alert as eight called up in FIFA break | OneFootball

Palmeiras see the international break as a chance to reset physically and mentally for the run-in, but eight players have been called for friendlies.

According to Globo.com, Emilian Martínez has replaced Valverde, of Real Madrid, in Uruguay's squad. Piquerez (Uruguay), Giay and Flaco López (Argentina), Gustavo Gómez, Mauricio and Sosa (Paraguay), and Arias (Colombia) were already selected.

The club's caution follows a post-World Cup spell with nine fitness issues, five affecting players who had been at the tournament. Gómez missed 10 days with a right-thigh injury, Sosa was out for almost a month, Arias and Piquerez had lighter muscle problems, and Mauricio had tendinitis in his right knee.

Assistant João Martins said their review indicated the World Cup returnees were most affected, and he hopes they can perform in the run-in without similar setbacks.

Palmeiras also have three Brazil under-20 call-ups, goalkeeper Kauan Lima and forwards Erick Belé and Heittor, who train with the first team. Martins noted it is different working without the full group.

The squad were given one week off, with training to resume on Friday at 10:00 Brasília time. They then have a little over 10 days to prepare for Bahia on eight October at Nubank Parque in the Brasileirão, focusing on recovery and a return to basics, and hoping the internationals come back well.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”