Corinthians handed big Yuri Alberto boost | OneFootball

Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto could be closing in on a return to action after hitting a key milestone in his rehabilitation from a vertebral fracture. According to UOL and Globo, the 23-year-old has entered the physical transition stage of his recovery at the Joaquim Grava training ground, stepping up individual work with the club’s fitness staff following a five-week program focused on pain management and tissue healing.

Alberto suffered the injury—a fracture to the transverse process of the L1 vertebra—in the late May clash against Atlético-MG. Initial fears pointed to a muscular issue, but later scans revealed the extent of the spinal damage. The forward was given the green light to begin early-stage treatment at home, using a well-equipped setup with sprint tracks, resistance equipment and a pool, enabling continuous rehab even as the rest of the squad went on a 15-day break.

Corinthians’ medical staff worked closely with Alberto’s personal physiologist, Gustavo Jorge, receiving daily updates and consistently adjusting his training based on progress. "The club does exceptional work. Corinthians probably have the best medical and structural support for the players, with high-tech equipment,” Gustavo Jorge said, noting the careful attention paid to managing training loads.

Alberto began full pitch running in the fifth week, reporting he was pain-free and steadily building confidence: "I'm very happy to be getting back to what I love. I can already run on the field, I feel no pain and I’m growing more confident. I've been working a lot every day to come back as soon as possible and help my teammates and Corinthians," he said.

This weekend marked an important step, as Alberto returned to the training centre for individual work with fitness coaches, separate from the main group. Although he has not yet been cleared for full training or contact drills, the move signals tangible progress. The club, maintaining a cautious approach, has not announced a definitive timeline for his full return, but there is optimism within the staff that a comeback within the next three weeks is possible if he continues his current trajectory.

Manager Dorival Júnior has overseen the team's return from the break with an emphasis on rebuilding attacking patterns and sharpening finishing, vital qualities for a Corinthians side that has struggled in front of goal without their No. 9. While the squad, sitting 10th in the table, intensifies preparations for the league restart against Red Bull Bragantino in mid-July, supporters are watching Alberto’s recovery closely.

The consensus among the staff is that long-term fitness takes priority over a rushed return. For now, barring setbacks, Yuri Alberto seems on course to provide a timely boost as Corinthians enter a demanding stretch of fixtures.

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