Palmeiras approve Paulinho return but adopt cautious reconditioning plan | OneFootball

Paulinho ended close to 10 months out by coming on in the second half of Palmeiras’ 1-1 draw with Santos on Saturday, and the club will manage his minutes carefully in a staged return.

According to Globo.com, once the forward was named in the derby squad, the Health and Performance unit cautioned he might not be available for every game at the start of this comeback.

Palmeiras want to assess how his body responds after each outing following a second operation on his right leg, with assistant Vitor Castanheira noting he feels good and highly motivated, but that this is a delicate, step-by-step process that explains his brief cameo.

A decision on his involvement in the next fixture is due on Sunday, as the squad travel to Peru to face Sporting Cristal on Tuesday in the Conmebol Libertadores. If he stays in Brazil, he would have a full week to prepare for next Sunday against Remo in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

In just over 20 minutes, Paulinho completed 10 passes and misplaced only two. He described an emotional day after nine months of struggle and resilience, seeking support physically and mentally to reach this point.

The plan is to use May to restore his match rhythm without starting him, and the World Cup pause is viewed as the final stage to bring him closer to his ideal level. He aims to return to 100 percent and help Palmeiras with goals and trophies.

Source: Globo.com