Paulinho to miss Palmeiras’ Copa do Brasil opener | OneFootball

Paulinho remains unavailable for Palmeiras’ Copa do Brasil opener, despite taking part in full training on Wednesday. The forward will miss Thursday’s first-leg meeting with Jacuipense as he continues physical reconditioning.

According to Globo.com, medical coordinator Pedro Pontin said Paulinho has been with the group since the start of the month, gradually increasing his workload. He has reached competitive levels, but staff prefer to wait a little longer so he fully adapts to current demands.

Pontin added that the player is assessed daily for any post-session discomfort, with progress tracked to judge when he will be truly ready for matches. The response so far has been adequate, with expected aches during phases of increased load.

Paulinho has been out for nine months following a second operation on his right leg. The discomfort he now feels, far from the pain that troubled him for two years, is viewed as part of rehabilitation. It is unrelated to the tibia fracture itself, which is stabilised, and stems from rebuilding strength and muscle cut during surgery to fit the fixation implant.

In the coming days the plan is to keep his current workload and monitor his adaptive response before any joint decision on a return. Extra care is required after a long spell of inactivity, including time sidelined at his previous club. He will follow an individual programme, complete much of his work with the first team and prepare to be available to the coaching staff.

Source: Globo.com