Arboleda out, Negrucci set for centre-back role at São Paulo | OneFootball

The season for São Paulo has been marked by many injuries in the professional squad. Last Friday, the Tricolor Paulista announced another major absence: defender Arboleda, who complained of pain and was diagnosed with a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh. As a result, the Ecuadorian will miss the derby against Corinthians next Thursday (20th), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena.

Chance for Negrucci?

With Arboleda out, other players may get a chance. Among them is the young Negrucci, who is originally a defensive midfielder but has been used as a center-back by coach Hernán Crespo. In the training match open to the press last Friday, the 21-year-old player even played as a defender.

The tendency, however, is for Ferraresi to return in time from the Venezuelan national team and play in the Majestoso. The defender was called up for this FIFA date, but Venezuela had only one scheduled match, which has already been played: a 1-0 win over Australia in the early hours of Saturday. Thus, the defender should be available for Thursday’s game.

If coach Hernán Crespo chooses to keep the three-man defense, it should be composed of Alan Franco, Sabino, and Ferraresi, with Negrucci as the “immediate backup” for these players.

With 45 points in 33 games, São Paulo is in eighth place in the Brazilian Championship. The club’s main goal in the competition is to secure a spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores.

Negrucci – (Photo: Rubens Chiri/São Paulo FC)

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