Piquerez back for Palmeiras, expected to reclaim role amid fresh competition | OneFootball

Joaquín Piquerez is back available for Palmeiras on Sunday against Botafogo in the 26th round of the Brasileiro. The left-back has overcome a thigh muscle problem and is expected to start at Nilton Santos, 18:30 Brasília time.

According to Nosso Palestra, his return comes in a different landscape. Since arriving in 2021, he has largely been Abel Ferreira’s first choice with little sustained competition.

In 2026 injuries sidelined him at times, allowing academy product Arthur to earn minutes and, on occasions, take the role. Arthur was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Mirassol, and the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva upheld his ban after Palmeiras’ appeal, which argued Lucas Evangelista committed the foul, was rejected.

With Arthur suspended, Piquerez stands as the only specialist left-back for Botafogo. He was on the bench against Santos in the Copa do Brasil but did not play as Palmeiras reached the semi-finals.

Across Piquerez’s stint, Jorge arrived alongside him but never settled and later left. Homegrown Vanderlan also featured, often covering absences.

In 2024 a serious injury to Piquerez sparked a battle between Vanderlan and Caio Paulista, with Caio starting both ties against Flamengo in the Copa do Brasil round of 16. Jefté later arrived to bolster the position, yet Piquerez remained the reference point. Now Arthur presents the clearest homegrown challenge so far.

Source: Nosso Palestra

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