Dorival Júnior faces new headache over Corinthians attack after international break | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior faces a fresh selection headache up front after the international break, with Gui Negão sustaining a grade 2 injury to his left thigh while on Brazil Under-20 duty. From seven senior forwards, Corinthians now have only four available.

According to Meu Timao, Kaio César remains sidelined with perifibrotic inflammation in his right hamstring, and Memphis Depay is in the Netherlands treating a grade 2 injury to his right quadriceps. The club have not issued recovery timelines, but Memphis and Gui are expected to be out for at least a month, while Kaio has no return date.

The setbacks arrive on the cusp of a packed April, when Corinthians face eight games in 30 days. The run spans the Campeonato Brasileiro, the opening group fixtures of the Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil fifth-phase ties with Barra-SC.

For now, Dorival can call on Yuri Alberto, Pedro Raul, Vitinho and Kayke. He could also push Jesse Lingard, Zakaria Labyad and Rodrigo Garro higher. Another option is a single-striker setup with Yuri central, a structure used when the no 9 was missing, with Breno Bidon, Allan, Rodrigo Garro and André Luiz behind Memphis Depay through the middle.

Academy cover may help. Dieguinho, a young midfielder already used on the right wing for the seniors, is an option, as is Luiz Fernando, a standout for the Under-20s who has trained with the first team.

Before Gui Negão’s setback, the club were already in the market for another attacker. Talks continue with Botafogo over a possible move for Arthur Cabral, and plan B was Renê, top scorer for Portuguesa with seven goals in 11 games this season. Corinthians lodged a loan bid but withdrew, while Portuguesa preferred a sale.

Corinthians visit Fluminense at the Maracanã next Wednesday at 21:30 in the ninth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Dorival must now rework his forward line.

Source: Meu Timao