Abel hails subs for comeback, eyes tough run for depleted Palmeiras | OneFootball

After the 3-2 comeback win over São Paulo at Morumbis, Abel Ferreira highlighted the importance of the substitutes’ participation in the result and, in the aftermath, looked ahead to Palmeiras’ upcoming matches in the Brasileirão, with confirmed absences for the clash against Juventude, Saturday at 7 p.m., in the rescheduled 12th round.

Abel praised the team’s reaction and revealed that the approach at halftime was one of adjustment and encouragement, not criticism: “It’s going to be extremely difficult. We have many ambitions in this competition, but due to the calendar, we won’t be at full strength. That’s not good when you’re fighting to be champions. Today was a very tough match. In the first half, I didn’t see my team. I think we forgot that when we play São Paulo, Corinthians, Santos, they come at us with a knife between their teeth. These three points were very important,” he said.

The coach also emphasized the impact of the players who came off the bench and explained how he handled halftime: “We won because of those who came in from the bench. Many times, players only want to start because they only feel important when they’re in the starting lineup, and I usually tell them that a good part of games are won in the second half. That’s what happened: a tough victory, after finishing the first half losing 2-0, when the coach had every reason to come in at halftime and scold the players. I did exactly the opposite. I corrected and helped them,” he added.

Maurício and Sosa, who came off the bench, were key pieces in the comeback. The midfielder provided two assists, while Sosa scored Verdão’s third and final goal, securing the three points and the lead in the Brazilian Championship.

Confirmed Absences

To face Juventude, Abel will not be able to count on two starters: Vitor Roque and Emiliano Martínez, both suspended after receiving their third yellow card. The forward was booked in the 32nd minute of the second half after getting involved in an altercation with full-back Enzo Díaz. The argument led to shoving between players from both teams, including substitutes.

Emiliano, on the other hand, received a yellow card in the 46th minute of the final stage. Even without leaving the bench, he celebrated Palmeiras’ comeback goal by kicking a ball toward the São Paulo fans. Despite these absences, important players who were at risk of suspension – Weverton, Gustavo Gómez, Piquerez, and Facundo Torres – escaped unscathed and remain available to the coaching staff.

Crowded Medical Department

In addition to the suspended players, Abel will have a considerable list of absences due to injury. Lucas Evangelista underwent surgery this week to repair a tendon injury suffered against Bahia on August 28. He is expected to return only in 2026.

Khellven is still recovering from a foot injury suffered against River Plate in the Libertadores and does not yet have a return date. Paulinho remains sidelined after surgery on his right leg.

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