Corinthians see injury rise in first half of 2026, alarms over run-in | OneFootball

Corinthians ended the first half of the 2026 season with a higher number of physical issues compared to the same period last year. Between January and June, the men’s first-team squad totaled 19 injuries recorded by the medical department, six more than the 13 cases logged in the first half of 2025.

The situation has drawn internal attention, especially because some absences are still affecting the coaching staff’s planning for the rest of the year. Cases involving Kayke, Hugo Farias, João Pedro Tchoca, and Vitinho still require medical monitoring and have no immediate return date.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

In addition to the cases recorded throughout the season, Corinthians began 2026 with two players still recovering from physical problems carried over from the previous year. Defensive midfielder Raniele was undergoing ankle treatment, while Memphis Depay was dealing with pain in his left knee after playing in the final stretch of 2025 despite not being in ideal condition.

The first absences of the year came during preseason. Rodrigo Garro had to undergo surgery after suffering a fracture of the scaphoid bone in his left wrist. Shortly afterward, center-back Cacá suffered a muscle strain in the abdominal region and was sidelined from activities.

February was the most difficult month for the club’s medical department. Kaio César suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh, while Hugo Farias was diagnosed with an injury to the lateral meniscus of his right knee, underwent surgery, and remains in recovery.

During the same period, José Martínez was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee after returning to Brazil. The Venezuelan midfielder later had his contract terminated.

Also in February, André Luiz suffered ligament damage to his left ankle. Breno Bidon suffered a thigh strain, Yuri Alberto was diagnosed with a grade-two injury to his left hamstring, Matheus Pereira had a similar issue, and Felipe Longo suffered a ligament strain in his right elbow.

March continued the run of physical problems. Kaio César returned to the medical department after developing inflammation in the same area as his previous injury. Memphis Depay suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh that kept him out for more than two months. Gui Negão, meanwhile, was withdrawn from the Brazil Under-20 national team after suffering a strain in the back of his right thigh.

In April, Corinthians recorded new absences. João Pedro Tchoca began treatment for pain in the pubic region, a condition that developed into an inguinal hernia and required surgery. Charles suffered a heel injury, Pedro Milans sprained his right ankle, and Kayke suffered the squad’s most serious injury of the season: a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which prematurely ended his participation in 2026.

In May, Vitinho suffered a muscle strain in his right hip associated with hamstring tendon injuries, while Matheus Bidu was sidelined after spraining his left ankle.

In addition to the officially recorded injuries, some players also required medical monitoring during the semester due to physical discomfort. André Carrillo reported muscle discomfort in the adductor region, Hugo Souza dealt with pain in his right thigh, and Zakaria Labyad had knee problems. None of these cases, however, was included in the official injury count.

By comparison, the first half of 2025 had presented a less worrying picture. At the time, the club recorded 13 injuries involving players such as Rodrigo Garro, Raniele, Gustavo Henrique, Igor Coronado, Hugo Souza, Fabrizio Angileri, Memphis Depay, and Yuri Alberto.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.