Palmeiras take cautious approach as Paulinho nears matchday return | OneFootball

Palmeiras will not rush Paulinho back into matchday squads despite the forward reaching competitive training levels after right-leg surgery.

According to Globo.com, he was close to being named in the squad in recent days, but Palmeiras opted to delay his inclusion.

Assistant João Martins said after the win over Bragantino that Paulinho’s progression is good and training intensity mirrors match demands. He added that Palmeiras will only list him when they are certain he can play the minutes the coach requires, insisting they cannot repeat early-season mistakes.

He has been training with the squad since the start of the month with a progressive workload. He is assessed daily after sessions for progress and any discomfort, which are currently deemed natural during load increases. The plan is to maintain the present load and monitor adaptation before deciding on his return.

The club are stressing caution because the injury is rare in football and involves a long period without activity.

Paulinho has been out since July last year with a stress fracture of the right tibia. He underwent surgery in 2024 while at Atlético-MG, then, as training and matches intensified at Palmeiras, had another operation on 22 July 2025. Recovery has progressed gradually since.

Palmeiras visit Cerro Porteño in Asunción at 21:30 Brasília time on Wednesday, in the third round of the Libertadores group stage.

Source: Globo.com