Pedro Raul suffers rib injury, a doubt for Corinthians v Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Corinthians may have another absence for their next Brazilian Championship match. Forward Pedro Raul suffered trauma to the rib area during the goalless draw against Rosario Central last Thursday (13) in Argentina, and is now doubtful for Sunday’s (16) match against Cruzeiro at Neo Química Arena.

According to information released by Meu Timão, the No. 18 underwent tests to assess the severity of the issue, and Corinthians’ medical department is still awaiting the results this Saturday (15). There is suspicion of a fracture in the area, which, if confirmed, could sideline the striker for the team’s upcoming matches.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Pedro Raul started at Gigante de Arroyito Stadium in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving qualification to be decided in the return leg, which will be played at Neo Química Arena.

The possible absence comes just as the striker had begun to earn more space in Fernando Diniz’s team. Before the match in Argentina, Pedro Raul had found the net against Internacional in the Copa do Brasil and Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian Championship. That run of good performances earned him new opportunities in the starting lineup.

Problems in attack

If Pedro Raul is unable to play, Fernando Diniz will have even fewer alternatives to set up Corinthians’ attack. At the moment, the coach has Dieguinho, Kaio César, Jesse Lingard, and Gui Negão available as options for the position.

The situation is also the result of other absences in the squad. Yuri Alberto is out with a muscle injury, while Zakaria Labyad and Kayke are recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Vitinho, meanwhile, is still recovering after suffering a knee meniscus injury.

In addition to the medical issues, Memphis Depay is no longer among the options after Corinthians announced that they had failed to reach an agreement on the forward’s contract renewal. Despite the announcement, the club and the player resumed talks over a possible stay.

While awaiting a decision on Pedro Raul’s situation, Corinthians are finishing their preparations to return to action in the Brazilian Championship. This Sunday (16), Timão host Cruzeiro at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena in the 23rd round of the competition.

After that domestic match, attention turns back to the Libertadores. On Thursday (20), Corinthians host Rosario Central in the second leg of the round of 16. After the 0-0 draw in Argentina, a simple win sends Timão through to the quarterfinals, while another draw will take the tie to penalties.

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