Abel weighs changes as Palmeiras travel for Copa do Brasil decider | OneFootball

With a 3-0 first-leg lead from Nubank Parque, Palmeiras face Fortaleza on Wednesday for a Copa do Brasil quarter-final place. They can lose by up to two goals and still go through.

According to Globo.com, Abel is considering making changes and resting some players. The match kicks off at 21:30 Brasília time at Arena Pantanal, after Fortaleza sold their home advantage.

The squad trained on Tuesday morning, except those under the Health and Performance unit. Jefté and Bruno Fuchs remain sidelined, while Khellven and Paulinho are also being treated for muscle issues.

Gustavo Gómez, diagnosed with a muscle injury, worked separately on the pitch and will not be available for the cup tie.

Marlon Freitas and Andreas Pereira are the busiest outfielders in 2026, on 38 and 37 appearances respectively.

Verdão could hand more minutes to Flaco López, who featured at the World Cup for Argentina, and Vitor Roque, who is regaining fitness after ankle surgery.

A possible XI is Carlos Miguel in goal, Giay, Murilo and Barboza in defence, Allan, Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Evangelista and Piquerez or Arthur in midfield, with Arias, Mauricio and Flaco López or Sosa up front.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”