Raphael Veiga’s return heats up Palmeiras midfield battle | OneFootball

Back at Palmeiras after missing six matches due to pubic pain, Raphael Veiga returned to Verdão in the last two games, coming on in the second half during the victories over Internacional in the Brazilian Championship and River Plate in the Libertadores.

The player became available to Abel Ferreira again during the FIFA break. Veiga injured his pubis during the team's elimination against Corinthians and missed the matches against Ceará, Universitario (twice), Botafogo, Sport, and Corinthians.

Now, back in action, the midfielder is competing for the spot that is currently open in Abel Ferreira’s team. Maurício, Facundo Torres, and Andreas Pereira started the last few matches as midfield starters, a rotation that makes the competition for a place even fiercer.

Record Under Threat

Meanwhile, with Mauricio playing unchallenged in Veiga’s position, the number 18 is close to surpassing the number 23 as the team’s top assist provider this season. With seven assists, Mauricio is just one behind Veiga, who has eight.

Veiga’s assists this season were recorded mainly in the Paulista Championship, with seven in the state tournament and only one in the Brazilian Championship. On the other hand, Mauricio’s assists came in both championships, as well as in the Club World Cup and the Libertadores.

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