Gabriel Paulista over knock, ready for Corinthians' Libertadores tie | OneFootball

Corinthians is set to receive an important boost for the decisive clash against Rosario Central in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. According to reporting by Central do Timão, Gabriel Paulista has shown good recovery after the knock he took against Cruzeiro, and the expectation is that he will be available to Fernando Diniz for this Thursday’s match (20).

Concern over the defender arose during Corinthians’ 2-1 defeat to Cruzeiro last Sunday (16), in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. Seven minutes into the second half, Gabriel Paulista challenged for a high ball and fell to the ground in pain, holding his thigh area.

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The No. 3 received medical treatment on the field, but could not continue in the match and was replaced by João Pedro Tchoca. Already on the bench, the center-back was seen crying, increasing concern over his physical condition on the eve of one of Corinthians’ biggest matches of the season.

Despite the scare, no injury was found in the defender. Gabriel Paulista has shown progress since the match and, according to Central do Timão’s reporting, should be fit to face the Argentine side.

The player’s possible presence is important for Fernando Diniz amid doubts and absences in the defensive sector. André Ramalho, for example, developed vertigo after the first match against Rosario Central and was unavailable against Cruzeiro. Allan, meanwhile, will definitely miss Thursday’s game after being sent off in the first leg of the Round of 16.

Gabriel Paulista has earned his place at Corinthians

Signed by Corinthians at the start of 2026 after a spell with Beşiktaş of Turkey, Gabriel Paulista began the season as one of the bench options. As the matches went on, however, he earned his place in the team and went on to form the center-back pairing with Gustavo Henrique.

The change happened during Dorival Júnior’s time in charge and was later kept by Fernando Diniz. So far, the defender has played 36 matches in the black-and-white shirt, recording 16 wins, ten draws, and ten defeats.

Gabriel has also scored twice for Corinthians. One of the goals came in a final: in the Brazilian Super Cup, the center-back opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Flamengo at Mané Garrincha, a result that secured the title for Timão.

Corinthians to decide qualification in Itaquera

Corinthians and Rosario Central will face each other again this Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena. The first meeting of the Round of 16, played at the Gigante de Arroyito in Argentina, ended in a 0-0 draw.

That means a win by any scoreline sends Timão through to the Libertadores quarterfinals. If the aggregate score remains level after 90 minutes, the place will be decided on penalties. Whoever advances from this tie will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Universidad Católica of Chile and Estudiantes of Argentina.

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