Patrick fit, could return for Copa do Brasil tie against Ceará | OneFootball

Atlético received important news on the eve of yet another match in their dramatic fight against relegation. According to the club’s press office, midfielder Patrick has been cleared by the Medical Department after recovering from a stress fracture in his lumbar spine. Fully recovered, the player is now available to coach Jorge Sampaoli for the remainder of the season.

On the morning of this Friday (24th), the alvinegro squad wrapped up preparations for Saturday’s game in the Brazilian Championship. On the pitch, the coach led a tactical training session, followed by set-piece drills and finishing exercises at Cidade do Galo. Patrick took part in all stages of the activity as normal and could be included in the squad for the match.

Tomorrow’s clash has taken on the air of a final. For the 30th round of the Brasileirão, Galo faces Ceará at 4:00 PM at Arena MRV, in a direct showdown that could give the team new momentum in their battle to escape the relegation zone. Currently, Atlético has 33 points, three fewer than Vozão, who have 36, and two more than Vitória, the first team in the relegation zone.

With the pressure mounting in the standings, Atlético knows that only a win will do.

Sampaoli, however, will have a key absence in midfield. Fausto Vera will serve an automatic suspension and is out of the game. Thus, Alan Franco is expected to form the midfield duo alongside Igor Gomes. Another possible return to the team is Alexsander, who was already on the bench in the draw against del Valle last Tuesday in Ecuador.

This season, Patrick has played only 10 matches (just over 400 minutes) and scored one goal. The injury ended up hindering the player, who was experiencing his best moment at Galo.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.