Vitinho returns as Corinthians call up teen defender for Flamengo trip | OneFootball

Vitinho has been recalled by Corinthians after five months out, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Flamengo in the Brasileirão. The squad arrived in Rio on Saturday night, with kick-off at 17:30 Brasília time at the Maracanã.

According to Globo.com, academy centre-back Yago Melo, 19, has received his first senior call-up. Fellow teenager Iago Machado, 17, is also included and is expected to start.

Vitinho last featured on 30 April, a 2-0 win over Peñarol in the Conmebol Libertadores group stage. He then suffered three injuries in succession, the latest a left-knee meniscus tear that required surgery.

Allan, who belongs to Flamengo, is ineligible unless a R$ 2 million fee is paid. André is nearing the end of recovery from a right thigh injury, André Ramalho remains out with labyrinthitis, and Yuri Alberto has had a setback to his right thigh problem.

Memphis Depay, André Carrillo and Gustavo Henrique were left out for load management. Zakaria Labyad and Kayke remain sidelined after surgery on left-knee injuries, including ACL damage.

Fernando Diniz is expected to rotate heavily before Wednesday’s Libertadores quarter-final second leg against Estudiantes at the Neo Química Arena, 21:30.

Likely XI: Hugo Souza in goal, a back four of Pedro Milans, João Pedro Tchoca, Iago Machado and Angileri, a midfield of Raniele, Charles and Matheus Pereira, and a front three of Lingard, Dieguinho and Gui Negão or Pedro Raul.

Corinthians have lost four straight in the league to Cruzeiro, Coritiba, Santos and Chapecoense, and remain on 32 points in 12th place.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”