Palmeiras could rotate with 3-0 lead in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Holding a 3-0 first-leg cushion over Fortaleza in the Copa do Brasil round of 16, Palmeiras could rotate for Wednesday’s return in Cuiabá. Abel Ferreira may rest several heavily used players.

Five players are out, Bruno Fuchs, Gustavo Gómez, Jefté, Khellven and Paulinho, all remaining in São Paulo for treatment. Fuchs is recovering from appendicitis surgery. According to Globo.com, midfield is the likeliest area to change.

Marlon Freitas and Andreas Pereira have played 38 and 37 matches respectively in 2026, so one of them could be spared. Lucas Evangelista and Emiliano Martínez are alternatives, the Uruguayan often dropping in as a third centre-back.

Carlos Miguel, Abel Ferreira’s most used player this year, should keep goal. With Barboza being rested, Benedetti should get a chance, and Murilo, on 35 games in 2026, will continue. Piquerez could be benched after his ankle lay-off, Arthur is an option.

In attack, one of Sosa, Mauricio or Arias may be preserved, opening a place for Flaco López. The Argentine has not started since the post-World Cup break, but he scored after coming on in the first leg. Vitor Roque is likely to remain on the bench. Kick-off is 21:30 at Arena Pantanal, where Palmeiras are unbeaten with four wins and one draw, and Fortaleza have sold home advantage. Palmeiras can lose by up to two goals and still progress.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”