São Paulo’s injury nightmare before Copa do Brasil duel | OneFootball

São Paulo will head into the first leg of their Copa do Brasil round of 16 tie against Athletico with a squad significantly impacted by absences, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. Coach Hernán Crespo must do without nine first-team players for Thursday evening’s match at MorumBIS, yet will field a side with no players at risk of suspension for the return fixture.

The club’s injury list is extensive. Defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo is unavailable due to a pulmonary embolism, while forwards Calleri, Lucas Moura, Ryan Francisco, Oscar, Hugo Leonardo, and Lucca are all sidelined with injuries of varying severity. Centre-back Nahuel Ferraresi misses out through suspension, and striker Juan Dinenno is ineligible having featured for another team in an earlier Copa do Brasil round.

These absences will continue to test Crespo’s tactical options. São Paulo are likely to line up with Rafael in goal, supported by a back three of Alan Franco, Arboleda, and Sabino. Cedric Soares or Maik could occupy the right flank, with the recently recovered Maik an option after returning to the matchday squad. Bobadilla, Alisson, Marcos Antônio, and Wendell shape up as the likely midfield, while Luciano and André Silva—another candidate for a starting spot—is expected to join the attack.

Despite the depleted roster, São Paulo catch one small break: no player is carrying a yellow card that would rule them out of next week’s decisive second leg in Curitiba. Crespo is left to manage squad rotation carefully, especially with some players lacking match fitness.

Athletico, São Paulo’s opponents, also grapple with their own injury concerns, including Aguirre, Léo Derik, Esquivel, Raul, Madson, Luiz Fernando, and Julimar, as noted by Arquibancada Tricolor. However, Athletico coach Odair Hellmann is reportedly considering fielding a squad heavy on reserves, with the team currently struggling in the lower half of the Série B.

The match is scheduled for 19:30 (local time) at MorumBIS, with Ramon Abatti Abel officiating. The encounter will be streamed live on Prime Video. São Paulo advanced to this stage by eliminating Náutico in the third round, while Athletico progressed past Brusque.

As the fixture congestion of the Brazilian season escalates, squad depth is set to play a defining role for São Paulo. With the list of absentees unlikely to shrink imminently, Crespo faces a balancing act between seeking cup progression and keeping his available squad healthy.

(Sources: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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