Arias back ‘home’ for Palmeiras’ Libertadores opener in Colombia and eyeing World Cup role | OneFootball

Arias returns to familiar surroundings as Palmeiras open their Libertadores campaign against Junior Barranquilla in Cartagena on Wednesday at 21:30 Brasília time, the match at the Olímpico.

Cartagena is nearly 900 km from Quibdó, where the forward was born. According to Globo.com, he owns a home in the city and married in the region.

The club’s marquee signing this season, Arias has quickly become influential under Abel Ferreira. He has scored in three of his last four games, including a superb goal against Bahia on Sunday.

After two months at the club, his adaptation is also timely for his World Cup push. He started both matches for Colombia in the last international window and scored in the 2-1 loss to Croatia.

Signed for 25 million euros, around R$ 155 million at the time, he has made 11 appearances and, after a slow start, become a difference maker.

His importance has grown since the Paulista title. With Vitor Roque still dealing with pain in his left ankle, he is among the leading attackers alongside Flaco López.

López combined with him for Sunday’s goal, and the pair are expected to start again on Wednesday. Despite going almost a year without a holiday, Arias has impressed with his stamina and defensive work.

He will get a break after this trip, having collected his third yellow card on Sunday. He serves a one-match ban in the Brazilian Championship derby against Corinthians.

Source: Globo.com