Yuri Alberto out for Corinthians in derby against Santos | OneFootball

Corinthians will be without Yuri Alberto for the derby against Santos this Sunday (30) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena, in the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. The striker reported pain in his right thigh again during the week and, even with no new injury confirmed, will be rested by the coaching staff.

The No. 9 had been making progress in his recovery from a grade 2 injury to the back of his right thigh and had even returned to training with the rest of the squad. That progress raised the possibility of his return in the Clássico Alvinegro, but the plan had to be revised after the new discomfort.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

Last Thursday (27), Yuri Alberto reported pain during training. Tests carried out afterward did not identify a new injury, but the striker did not take part normally in the following sessions. Given his recent history and the risk of worsening the issue, Corinthians and the medical department decided not to include him in the squad to face Santos.

Yuri Alberto’s return will be postponed

The center-forward’s recovery had been progressing faster than initially expected. The forecast for an injury of the grade suffered by Yuri was between six and eight weeks, while the player completed just four weeks of treatment last Thursday.

Because of this, Corinthians would rather not rush his return to the pitch again. One of the goals is to have the striker in better physical condition for the rest of the season, which includes the matchups against Estudiantes of Argentina in the Libertadores quarterfinals.

Yuri Alberto has not played a match since July 30. On that occasion, Corinthians drew 0-0 with Athletico-PR at Neo Química Arena. The No. 9 started on the bench, came on at halftime, and stayed on the field for about 30 minutes before feeling a sharp pain in his right leg. He asked to be substituted and left the pitch in tears.

Even after being out of action for practically a month, the center-forward remains Timão’s top scorer in 2026. So far, he has eight goals in 33 matches, two more than Gustavo Henrique, who is second in the team’s scoring charts this season.

Diniz will have other attacking options

Yuri’s absence increases the need for Fernando Diniz to find alternatives in attack for the derby. Memphis Depay, Kaio César, and Pedro Raul are among the coach’s options.

Another new name among the call-ups is Luiz Fernando, a standout player and the top scorer for Corinthians U-20. The 19-year-old striker earned a place on the list for the derby amid absences in the senior squad. Jesse Lingard and Dieguinho can also be used in the area.

In addition to Yuri Alberto, Corinthians go into the match with other absences in the squad. Timão are looking to bounce back in the Brazilian Championship after two straight defeats and start the round in 10th place with 32 points. Corinthians and Santos face off this Sunday (30) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena in the 25th round of the Brasileirão.

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