Memphis relives last international break drama, now a doubt for Corinthians | OneFootball

Memphis Depay is seen as a doubt for Corinthians in the classic match against São Paulo this Thursday, for the 34th round of the Brazilian Championship. The forward is returning to Brazil after representing the Netherlands national team during this FIFA date and is expected at the Dr. Joaquim Grava training center this Wednesday.

The athlete, therefore, will relive the same scenario as the last FIFA date. On that occasion, he played for 62 minutes against Finland on October 12 and rejoined the team two days later, on October 14. The following day, the Timão faced Santos at Vila Belmiro. The Dutchman started the classic as a substitute and entered the game at the 23rd minute of the second half.

The strategy to preserve the player was motivated by what happened in the previous FIFA date. In early July, he played against Lithuania and, three days later, faced Athletico-PR at Neo Química Arena, for the Copa do Brasil. The result: he suffered a thigh edema and was out for almost a month.

And now?

The situation is very similar to previous ones. Memphis Depay played for 63 minutes against Lithuania last Monday and will rejoin Corinthians two days later, with a classic match ahead. The forward will be evaluated by Dorival Júnior's technical staff and the club's physiology department.

The tendency is for the number 10 to be listed for the duel with São Paulo. However, considering what happened in the last FIFA dates, it is not ruled out that he starts on the bench. If this happens, Yuri Alberto and Gui Negão are expected to form the attack for Timão in the Majestic.

(Photo: John Thys/AFP)

Memphis in the FIFA date

Memphis Depay was once again decisive for the Netherlands in this FIFA date. The number 10 scored a goal in the 1-1 draw with Poland and was a starter in the thrashing over Lithuania last Monday, being substituted in the 18th minute of the second half.

With the results, the Dutch national team secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

More doubts

Memphis is not the only doubt for Corinthians in the Majestic. Dorival still does not know if he will be able to count on goalkeeper Hugo Souza and midfielder Maycon. The goalkeeper missed the team in the last two rounds due to a trauma in his left thigh. Meanwhile, the midfielder has been complaining of pain in his right knee.

On the other hand, Timão has five confirmed reinforcements. The young midfielder André Luiz and forward Vitinho have recovered from injury and are available. Besides them, midfielders André Carrillo, José Martínez, and Charles, who served suspensions in the last match, are back.

However, midfielder Rodrigo Garro, suspended, and midfielder Raniele, handed over to the medical department, are absences.

Possible Corinthians lineup

Thus, a possible Corinthians lineup to face São Paulo includes: Hugo Souza (Felipe Longo); Matheuzinho, João Pedro Tchoca (André Ramalho), Gustavo Henrique, and Matheus Bidu; Maycon (Charles or Angileri), José Martínez, André Carrillo, and Breno Bidon; Gui Negão (Memphis Depay) and Yuri Alberto.

Next Corinthians game

Stalled rise

Corinthians had its rise stalled in recent matches. Dorival Júnior's team was coming off three consecutive victories but lost in succession to Red Bull Bragantino and Ceará, remaining stagnant in the middle of the Brazilian Championship table.

The Timão occupies the 13th position in the tournament, with 42 points, and still dreams of a spot in the 2026 Libertadores. However, the gap to the G7 is nine points.

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