Palmeiras use 26 in early Paulista after 4-0 loss as search for ideal side continues | OneFootball

Palmeiras have used 26 players across their first four matches of the season and, after a 4-0 defeat by Novorizontino, are still without a settled starting XI.

According to Globo.com, this stage of the Paulistão remains an extension of pre-season, with tests and physical conditioning across the squad. Internally, those factors are cited among the reasons for the club’s heaviest defeat in almost 11 years, and evaluations already flag gaps as they work towards an ideal 2026 side.

Abel Ferreira has stressed that football is volatile and that three straight wins did not mean everything was right. He had already outlined a plan to give everyone minutes and assess each player, viewing this as the best time to do so.

He believes Palmeiras will hit their best physical level after about a month of work, which points to early February.

Meanwhile, the team must navigate the Campeonato Paulista and the start of the Brasileirão. They face São Paulo on Saturday at 18:30, Brasília time, at Arena Crefisa Barueri.

Source: Globo.com