Abel Ferreira may rotate as Palmeiras protect Copa do Brasil lead | OneFootball

Palmeiras completed training on Tuesday for the Copa do Brasil last-16 second leg against Fortaleza, kicking off at 21:30 on Wednesday at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, MT. They carry an advantage from the first meeting.

According to Nosso Palestra, Abel Ferreira led a tactical session focused on shape, attacking and defensive movements and set-pieces, plus a training game. He may change his starting side, and Marlon Freitas and Andreas Pereira could be rested after heavy recent minutes.

The first leg at Nubank Parque finished 3-0, with Mauricio, Jhon Arias and Flaco López scoring. Palmeiras can lose by up to two and still reach the quarter-finals.

Gustavo Gómez remains sidelined with a right thigh injury. He worked individually on the pitch with Núcleo de Saúde e Performance staff and is not ready to face Fortaleza.

Joaquín Piquerez marked a milestone after Sunday’s win over Fortaleza, moving to 242 appearances for Palmeiras. He is now the club’s second most-used foreign player, surpassing Valdivia and Arce on 241, with only Gustavo Gómez ahead on 415.

Piquerez also extended his records as the club’s most decorated left-back with nine trophies, and as the Uruguayan with most wins, now 150. He called the feat special at such a big club, described Gómez as a reference, and said he wants to keep hitting targets.

He reflected on April’s right-ankle surgery, saying the months were difficult but support from the Núcleo de Saúde e Performance was decisive. He feels close to his best physically and mentally.

He noted the pitch and climate could be challenging, and said the aim is to control the game and try to win again. Palmeiras are unbeaten in 12 away matches, with eight wins and four draws, and will look to confirm a quarter-final place.

Source: Nosso Palestra

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