Corinthians begin preparations for Copa do Brasil last-16 decider against Internacional | OneFootball

Corinthians have begun preparations for the Copa do Brasil last-16 second leg, hosting Internacional at 20:00 at Neo Química Arena and needing to overturn a 2-0 defeat from Beira Rio.

After Sunday’s match they had Monday off, then trained on Tuesday morning. According to Meu Timao, gym work preceded on-pitch warm-ups and initial tactical drills.

Corinthians must win by two to force penalties, or by three or more to reach the quarter-finals outright.

Home form offers hope. In their last 10 at Neo Química Arena they have seven wins, two draws and one defeat, 2-0 to Platense of Argentina on 27 March in the Libertadores groups.

Such margins have been rare in that span. Corinthians won by two only twice and by three just once, 3-0 against Remo on 23 July in the Brasileiro.

Fernando Diniz faces significant attacking absences. Yuri Alberto, top scorer this season with eight, has a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh. Kayke is recovering from left knee ACL surgery and Vitinho from left knee meniscus surgery.

Memphis Depay has not returned to training, remains in the final stages of contract renewal talks and should miss the match. Zakaria Labyad has a meniscus injury and a ruptured ACL in his left knee and is out for the season.

Up front, Diniz is set to pick between Pedro Raul and Gui Negão. Pedro Raul is yet to score in 2026 after 26 games, while Gui Negão, a first-leg starter, has one in 13.

Source: Meu Timao

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