Palmeiras weigh fatigue and plan changes for São Paulo clash | OneFootball

Palmeiras are assessing fatigue and planning changes for the Brasileirão clássico with São Paulo, which falls between Libertadores quarter-final legs. Abel Ferreira says he will not prioritise one competition.

According to Globo.com, the derby is on Saturday at 18:30 Brasília time, with a trip to Ecuador next week. Starters Barboza and Marlon Freitas are suspended in the league, while Andreas Pereira returns after a continental ban.

Card management means some players are set to rest before the LDU return in Quito, where a draw would be enough to reach the semi-finals. Abel insists he will take it one game at a time and maintain the club's ambitions and his approach.

He added that recovery work and feedback from individuals and the health and performance unit will shape decisions. Jefté, Sosa and Paulinho are sidelined, and recent issues have also affected Gustavo Gómez, Piquerez and Arias.

With reduced rotation, the strain has shown in the league, with only one win in the last five and their lead gone. Palmeiras now trail Flamengo by one point. Piquerez acknowledged the dip, citing the relentless schedule and listing several internationals, but said it cannot be an excuse.

Abel will lead one more session on Friday before finalising preparations. Playing a day earlier, Palmeiras aim to apply pressure on Flamengo.

Source: Globo.com

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