Palmeiras assistant on Paulinho and Vitor Roque, possible returns

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·3 avril 2026

Palmeiras assistant on Paulinho and Vitor Roque, possible returns

Palmeiras defeated Grêmio 2-1 on Thursday night (02) at Arena Barueri, as the Brazilian Championship resumed after the FIFA international break. After the match, Abel Ferreira’s assistant coach, Vitor Castanheira, spoke at a press conference and gave an update on the physical conditions of Paulinho and Vitor Roque, who were unavailable for the team on Thursday.

Vitor Roque has been dealing with an ankle problem since the Paulista Championship semifinal and was not even on the bench against Grêmio. Castanheira said the striker is still being assessed day by day. He remains doubtful for the match against Bahia on Sunday (5) in Salvador.

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– We still don’t know (whether Vitor Roque will travel). He is in the recovery process, so we’ll wait these next few days and see if he is fit.

As for Paulinho, who has been recovering for nine months from an injury to his right leg – the second in less than two years – he had said after winning the Paulista Championship title that he would return after the FIFA international break, but he remains sidelined.

– I’m not the one responsible for giving a date (for Paulinho’s return). Paulinho is increasing his workload and getting back into shape. When the technical staff feels he is available, he will rejoin the group.

Castanheira also highlighted the team’s drop in physical performance after the FIFA international break, with some players returning after representing their national teams.

– It’s a fact. It’s a tight schedule, long trips, and we know the risk we run. Things do not always happen the way the players want (in terms of maintaining fitness), largely because of the wear and tear.

What now?

With the result, Palmeiras remain alone at the top of the Brasileirão standings. Abel Ferreira’s team has 22 points from nine matches, compared to 19 for Fluminense and 17 for Bahia – the team’s next opponent.

On Sunday (05), Palmeiras travel to Salvador to face Bahia in a match valid for the 10th round of the Brazilian Championship. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time).