Yuri Alberto suffers recovery setback, out for Corinthians in Libertadores | OneFootball

Corinthians have been hit with a major concern for the remainder of the season. Yuri Alberto suffered a setback during his recovery from a right hamstring injury and will not be available to Fernando Diniz for the first match against Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

According to reporting first published by Globo Esporte and confirmed by Central do Timão, the striker developed fibrosis in the area that had been healing. The issue worsened during the physical transition phase, leading the No. 9 back under the care of the medical department.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

As a result, Yuri is also expected to miss the match against Chapecoense this Sunday (6) at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena, in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The forward has not played since late July.

Recovery had progressed before new discomfort

Yuri Alberto suffered a grade 2 injury to his right hamstring in the 0-0 draw with Athletico-PR on July 30 at Neo Química Arena. On that occasion, he came on at halftime, stayed on the field for about 30 minutes, and had to be substituted after feeling a sharp pain. The striker left the pitch on a stretcher and in tears.

The initial forecast pointed to a recovery period of six to eight weeks. However, the progress shown in the first few weeks allowed the player to move more quickly through treatment.

Last week, Yuri left the exclusive care of the medical department and began the transition phase with the fitness staff. The No. 9 even took part in two training sessions with the rest of the squad at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, raising expectations of an early return.

The situation changed on the 27th. During a run, the striker felt discomfort again in his right thigh. Since then, he has stopped doing activities on the pitch and has returned to indoor treatment.

According to ge, Yuri already had fibrosis when he was cleared to move forward in the recovery process, a situation known by the departments responsible for his treatment. The area, however, developed problems again during physical work.

Fibrosis occurs when tougher tissue forms during the healing of the injured area and, in the striker’s case, it ended up interfering with the expected progress toward a return to the pitch.

Return expected against Santos is delayed

Before this latest discomfort, there was a possibility that Yuri Alberto would return in the derby against Santos, played last Sunday (30). That did not happen, and the No. 9 missed Corinthians’ 1-0 defeat.

At the moment, there is no set timeline for when the forward will return to normal training with his teammates.

His absence against Chapecoense is considered likely, while ge reported that the player will not travel to Argentina for the first clash against Estudiantes. Meu Timão, meanwhile, reported that any possible appearance in the match is considered unlikely and would depend on his progress over the next few days.

Given the information, the expectation is that Fernando Diniz will prepare the team for the first leg of the quarterfinals without his main striker.

Corinthians try to get Yuri back for the second leg

With the first match practically ruled out, Corinthians are now working to try to have Yuri Alberto available again for the return leg against Estudiantes, scheduled for September 16.

Before that, in addition to Chapecoense, Timão will face Flamengo on the 13th in the Brazilian Championship. The striker’s availability for that match will also depend on how he responds to treatment.

Without the No. 9, Fernando Diniz has Memphis Depay, Pedro Raul, and Kaio César among his main alternatives in attack. The coach also has younger options, such as Dieguinho and Luiz Fernando, a standout from the U-20 side who was included in the squad for the derby against Santos.

Even though he has been sidelined for more than a month, Yuri Alberto remains Corinthians’ top scorer in 2026. The forward has played 33 matches and scored eight goals this season.

Corinthians face Chapecoense this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Neo Química Arena. After that, the black-and-white delegation will turn its attention to the Copa Libertadores and travel to Argentina to face Estudiantes on Wednesday (9) at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in the first leg of the quarterfinals.

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