Palmeiras suffer attacking crisis, excitement checked by caution over Paulinho | OneFootball

Palmeiras are facing an attacking crisis after injuries to Felipe Anderson and Sosa, with Abel Ferreira balancing excitement and caution over Paulinho before the World Cup pause. The coach is already without Vitor Roque, leaving selection problems across the remaining fixtures.

According to Globo.com, Abel said Paulinho is not yet ready to start. On Saturday the forward impressed in just over 20 minutes against Cruzeiro, completing 12 passes plus a dribble and a shot. The plan is to build his rhythm this month, with the club expecting him near his ideal level only after the World Cup.

Even so, Paulinho is not viewed as Sosa's replacement. Sosa had covered for Vitor Roque's ankle layoff, repurposed from the wing to partner Flaco López and run in behind.

Against Cruzeiro he suffered a ligament injury to his left ankle. Palmeiras see a chance of a return before the World Cup, but are working without a timetable, and without him they lack that profile, so Mauricio, who replaced him, is a builder and keeps Flaco López closer to the box.

Arias could play inside, yet Felipe Anderson's setback means he should stay on the left, with Allan on the right. Abel joked he injured his calf three days ago.

For now the options are Flaco López, Mauricio, Allan, Luighi and Arias, with Riquelme Fillipi and Erick Belé to bolster the bench. Palmeiras host Cerro Porteño in the Conmebol Libertadores on Wednesday, then visit Flamengo at 21:00 Brasília on Saturday at the Maracanã.

Source: Globo.com