Reinforcements, recovery and friendlies: how Palmeiras used the World Cup break | OneFootball

Palmeiras are 10 days from returning to action in 2026 as the World Cup shutdown nears its end, with expectations of a deeper squad for Abel Ferreira. The club used the pause to address recruitment, recovery and rhythm.

According to Globo.com, a club-record seven players were called up for the tournament, while others were given time off. Some, including forward Vitor Roque, stayed at the Training Centre to continue rehab.

President Leila Pereira had already ruled out selling core starters, shaping a window of enquiries. Giay was approached by Como but will stay, and Mauricio, after a good World Cup with Paraguay, was linked with Atalanta, though the club says no bid arrived. Abel Ferreira was also listed among Fulham candidates before the English club hired Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa, formerly of Real Madrid.

Centre-back Alexander Barboza is the only signing so far. Palmeiras have targeted Danilo and proposed about R$ 120 million plus defender Naves to prise the midfielder from Botafogo. After post-World Cup leave, he is due to report back to Botafogo this week, with talks expected to pick up thereafter.

Vitor Roque skipped holidays and spent June recovering from ankle surgery that cost him more than half of Palmeiras’ first half matches. He progressed and began physical transition in early July, with a return eyed for early August.

Paulinho improved his conditioning, having been limited to 30 minutes per game since his May comeback, and still scored two goals. The medical room is almost clear, with only Jefté recovering from knee surgery and likely out until the end of the year. For left-back, Palmeiras also have Piquerez and Arthur.

To regain rhythm, the side won three training matches at the Training Centre, 6-0 against Mauaense, then 3-1 over Primavera and 3-1 versus Juventus. An intra-squad game followed, where 18-year-old Cameroonian forward Miguel Bilong scored twice and caught the staff’s eye.

Palmeiras visit Coritiba on Wednesday 22 July in the Brasileiro’s 19th round, kick-off 19:30 at Couto Pereira.

Source: Globo.com