Paulinho named in Palmeiras squad for Libertadores trip to Lima | OneFootball

Paulinho has been included in Palmeiras’ travelling squad for Tuesday’s Libertadores match at Sporting Cristal. According to Globo.com, he will be with the group in Lima.

The No 10 returned on Saturday against Santos after 302 days out. On Sunday he stayed inside the club’s training base as he continues physical reconditioning following a second surgery on his right leg.

Palmeiras are still managing him through a reconditioning phase and will proceed cautiously. The club’s health and performance unit had already made clear he will not necessarily be available for every match in this restart.

Staff intend to monitor his body’s response after each game, a decisive step in judging how he copes with increased workload.

The plan is to use May to restore his match rhythm, without starting him. The World Cup break is considered the final stage to bring him closer to his ideal level.

Palmeiras arrive in Lima on Sunday night and will finalise preparations in the Peruvian capital, training on Monday at the Peru national team’s facility.

Kick-off against Sporting Cristal is at 19:00 Brasília time, with top spot in Group F at stake. Sporting Cristal lead on six points, Palmeiras have five.

Source: Globo.com