Crespo faces absences, no repeat São Paulo line-up since return | OneFootball

With only two matches remaining in the season, a fact about Hernán Crespo's work stands out. Since his return to São Paulo in July, the coach has not yet managed to repeat the same lineup in consecutive games.

Between the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores (a total of 30 matches), Crespo has faced difficulties in finding an ideal formation. The main reason lies in the constant absences caused by injuries, suspensions, or call-ups, factors that have prevented the repetition of a base team throughout 2025.

In the most recent round, for example, in the 6-0 defeat to Fluminense, the Argentine dealt with 15 absences. The only time he was close to repeating the lineup was in his third game in charge, in the derby against Corinthians. However, Enzo Díaz felt unwell during the warm-up and was replaced by Wendell on the left wing.

This Wednesday, against Internacional, the scenario will not be different, but this time for a positive reason. Crespo will have goalkeeper Rafael and defender Sabino available, returning from suspension. Additionally, forwards Luciano and Ferreirinha, recovered from injuries, trained with the squad and may also reinforce the Tricolor.

Thus, a probable lineup for São Paulo for this Wednesday's match includes: Rafael; Tolói, Alan Franco, and Ferraresi; Maik, Marcos Antônio, Pablo Maia, Bobadilla, and Patryck; Ferreirinha and Luciano.

What is São Paulo fighting for?

São Paulo is trying to recover after the 6-0 defeat to Fluminense last Thursday. Despite the setback, the Tricolor remains in eighth place in the Brasileirão, with 48 points.

The team is still aiming to maintain this position, which could become valuable if the G8 opens up. If Fluminense or Cruzeiro win the Copa do Brasil, the eighth-placed team will inherit a spot in the Pre-Libertadores. This is the only scenario in which the Tricolor secures qualification for the continental tournament.

Upcoming matches

Match: São Paulo vs. Internacional Date and time: December 3 (Wednesday) | 8 PM (Brasília time) Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro Location: Vila Belmiro

Match: Vitória vs. São Paulo Date and time: December 7 (Sunday) | 4 PM (Brasília time) Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro Location: Barradão

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