Yuri Alberto a doubt for Corinthians in Santos derby after pain | OneFootball

Corinthians have been handed a concern ahead of the derby against Santos, scheduled for this Sunday (30) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena, in the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. Forward Yuri Alberto felt pain in his right thigh again during training last Thursday (27) and has become a doubt for the match.

The striker had resumed activities with the rest of the squad during the week and was being prepared to return to the pitch. The expectation was that he could be included in the squad for the derby, but the new discomfort led the coaching staff to take a cautious approach.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

Yuri is recovering from a grade 2 muscle injury in his right thigh. The player had been going through a physical transition considered faster than expected, which is why a return against Santos was possible. However, after complaining of pain during Thursday’s session, the forward was held out.

Despite the discomfort, tests carried out by Corinthians did not detect a new injury. The tendency, therefore, is for the club to make a decision on the No. 9’s participation only after a new assessment.

Yuri will be reassessed after training this Friday (28). The coaching staff and medical department will analyze the player’s physical condition before deciding whether he is fit to play in the derby.

Yuri hasn’t played in nearly a month

Yuri Alberto’s last match was on July 30, in the goalless draw between Corinthians and Athletico-PR, also at Neo Química Arena. On that occasion, the forward came on at halftime but stayed on the field for approximately 30 minutes.

During the second half, Yuri felt a sharp pain in his right leg and had to leave the pitch. The player showed a great deal of concern at the time of the substitution and later began the recovery process.

The current issue is not the first muscle injury the striker has faced this season. In February, Yuri suffered a grade 2 injury to his left thigh during the match against São Bernardo in the Paulista Championship. On that occasion, he was sidelined for a little over a month and returned to action against Chapecoense.

Even though he has missed some matches due to physical problems throughout the year, Yuri Alberto remains Corinthians’ top scorer this season. The forward has eight goals in 33 matches played in 2026, two more than center-back Gustavo Henrique.

Corinthians seek a response in the Brasileirão

Yuri’s possible absence comes at an important moment for Corinthians. Timão are coming off two consecutive defeats in the Brazilian Championship and need to respond to improve their position in the table.

Currently, the team sits in 10th place with 32 points. A victory against Santos could lift Corinthians to eighth place by the end of the round.

In addition to the importance of the derby, the coaching staff also need to consider the team’s schedule. Corinthians will next face Argentina’s Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Therefore, any risk of aggravating Yuri Alberto’s injury will have to be analyzed carefully. The decision on whether the No. 9 will feature in the Clássico Alvinegro should come after Friday’s training session.

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