Five key areas Corinthians must focus on during the Fifa break | OneFootball

The Corinthians squad returned to training this Wednesday at the CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, beginning preparations for their match against Athletico-PR in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. Due to the FIFA date, coach Dorival Júnior has a week to make adjustments and work on certain aspects before the decisive match.

Below, Gazeta Esportiva lists five issues that the club needs to pay attention to during this time. The points range from matters related to the board to issues on the pitch.

1 – Recover injured players

Dorival is hoping to have important returns for the team's next commitment. For example, striker Yuri Alberto is in the final stages of physical transition after undergoing inguinal hernia surgery and may be available again.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

In addition to the number 9, right-back Matheuzinho, who missed the classic against Palmeiras due to a thigh overload, can also strengthen the team. Meanwhile, Raniele, who left the Derby with a posterior thigh muscle injury, is doubtful.

2 – Resolve transfer ban

An open issue that needs to be resolved urgently is the transfer ban. Since August 12, the club has been banned by FIFA from registering new players due to a debt of R$ 40 million with Santos Laguna, from Mexico, for the acquisition of defender Félix Torres.

The club has made several attempts to reach an agreement with Santos Laguna to reverse the sanction, but all have been unsuccessful. In the latest attempt, they offered 70% of the amount upfront, with the remainder to be paid in installments. The Mexicans, however, indicated that they only accept full payment. Timão continues to seek a solution to the case.

3 – Time for Vitinho to adapt

With the transfer ban active, Corinthians was unable to finalize the signing of some reinforcements that were lined up and only brought in striker Vitinho, who was free on the market after a stint in Saudi Arabian football.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

The player arrived and, despite having little time to readjust, had to take the field due to the team's urgency. He has played four matches so far, all coming off the bench. The free week could be crucial for the player to get to know his teammates better and gain more space.

4 – Find a backup for the right-back position

The right-back position has become a concern for Dorival Júnior during Matheuzinho's absence. The player should be back for the match against Athletico-PR, but the coach needs to find a reliable substitute so as not to depend solely on the starter.

Against Palmeiras, the chosen one was midfielder Charles. He played out of position and ended up committing a penalty. Another option is defender Félix Torres, who has also played in this position, but is in poor form.

Finally, there is the young academy player João Vitor, known as 'Jacaré'. The homegrown player is already training with the professionals, but before getting a chance, he needs to sort out the renewal of his contract. The extension of the contract is well underway.

5 – Adjust defense

The defensive system of Corinthians has improved under Dorival's command, but has started to make silly mistakes recently. Since the return of the Brazilian Championship after the Club World Cup, the team conceded 13 goals in the last ten rounds – an average of 1.3 per game.

In all 22 matches played in the competition, Timão has conceded 28 times.

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