Neo Química Arena updates pitch status before Corinthians’ cup decider | OneFootball

Neo Química Arena updated the pitch status hours before Corinthians host Internacional at 20:00 in Itaquera in the Copa do Brasil last 16 second leg.

In a statement, the stadium administration said World Sports has continued agronomic protocols since the 0-0 with Athletico-PR, adding composite materials, adjusting irrigation and using specialised equipment to smooth the surface, and that ideal playing conditions are projected in about three weeks.

The surface has drawn criticism since the World Cup pause. Corinthians used the break for extensive works from 6 June, after Brazil’s women beat the United States, building on fibre stitching in mid-2025 and a September restoration funded by the NFL, which staged Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers.

A full replacement, first slated for late 2025 into early 2026, moved to June and July this year due to a short off-season. The winter ryegrass remains short of ideal maturity after a condensed renovation, and full recovery usually needs eight weeks without games, yet Corinthians returned on 23 July, about 40 days after seeding.

Concerns were evident before the restart. In a session at the stadium before facing Remo, midfielder Raniele trapped his foot, fell and grazed his right knee, then missed the match.

After the 0-0 with Athletico-PR, Zakaria Labyad suffered a meniscus injury and a ruptured left ACL, Yuri Alberto sustained a right hamstring issue and Rodrigo Garro took a knock to his right foot.

Source: Meu Timao

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