Crespo boosted as São Paulo step up preparations to face Grêmio | OneFootball

São Paulo opened the doors of SuperCT for the press to follow part of the team's training session on Tuesday morning. Journalists were able to watch nearly an hour of the activity led by coach Hernán Crespo's staff in preparation for the match against Grêmio.

Tuesday's training session featured a reinforcement for the defensive system. Defender Ferraresi returned after serving with Venezuela. The national team's friendly was canceled, so the player returned to training. He participated in the activities with the squad as normal.

Ferraresi, therefore, should strengthen São Paulo against Grêmio this Thursday in the Brazilian Championship. Another player who will also be available is forward Gonzalo Tapia, back after representing Chile during the FIFA break.

Ferraresi, on the far left, back in training with São Paulo (Photo: Thais Bueno/Gazeta Press)

On the other hand, midfielder Bobadilla was absent from Tuesday's training, as he was on the field for Paraguay. He is expected to return on Wednesday after the national team's friendlies, but will likely miss the match against Grêmio.

How was the training?

The players started the day with light activities, doing running exercises on the pitch. Afterwards, the squad worked on passing drills. Next, Crespo spoke with the team before the staff began instructions for a more intense session.

Coach Hernán Crespo then led a tactical drill on the SuperCT field. He split the squad into two groups: blue bibs and orange bibs. The players rehearsed some game situations and performed tactical simulations for the upcoming match. The coach also gave a lot of guidance to defenders Arboleda and Sabino.

A funny scene caught attention. A cameraman was wearing a green shirt. At a certain moment, defender Alan Franco noticed and ran to the edge of the pitch. He handed a white São Paulo bib to the press professional to wear and cover the color.

Absences and returns

For the match against Grêmio, São Paulo will be without Oscar. The midfielder was diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left calf during Monday's training and will be out. Calleri, André Silva, Ryan Francisco, Luan, and Rafael Tolói also remain in the medical department and are expected to continue as absences.

Another definite absence is Pablo Maia, who will serve a suspension due to accumulation of yellow cards. On the other hand, Rigoni served his suspension in the derby against Palmeiras and is once again available to Crespo.

São Paulo players training at SuperCT (Photo: Thais Bueno/Gazeta Press)

São Paulo's situation in the Brasileirão

São Paulo has stalled in the Brasileirão standings and occupies eighth place, with 38 points. The Tricolor paulista is coming off a defeat to Palmeiras at Morumbis, in the 27th round of the national tournament.

Upcoming São Paulo matches

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