With Marlon injured and Pedro Gabriel suspended, Caio Paulista could start for Grêmio against Botafogo | OneFootball

An injury to Marlon and the suspension of Pedro Gabriel leave Caio Paulista as Grêmio’s only available left-back, so he could return to the XI against Botafogo on Wednesday. According to Globo.com, it is a postponed 21st-round fixture.

Marlon has a grade II rectus femoris injury in his right thigh and had already missed the Vasco game. He has begun physiotherapy, with a four to six week timeline.

Pedro Gabriel, who had started in Marlon’s absence, is suspended for the next match after his third yellow card. He was called up on Friday to the under-20 squad for friendlies during the FIFA window.

Caio Paulista has played 19 times this season, 11 starts, totalling 1,298 minutes without a goal or an assist. A winger by trade, he is on loan from Palmeiras until year end.

He has drawn fan discontent, peaking in May against Santos in round 17 when his mistake preceded Grêmio falling behind. Omitted last Saturday, his last outing was the previous round, a defeat at Vitória, coming on at half-time for Pedro Gabriel.

Technical coordinator Luiz Felipe Scolari will act as interim on Wednesday, with Renato projected to debut on Sunday against Palmeiras at the Arena. If Caio is overlooked, an improvised option is possible, with right-back João Pedro most likely.

For comparison, Pedro Gabriel and Marlon have each made 22 appearances, both with one goal and one assist.

Source: Globo.com

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