São Paulo line-up: Dorival Jr boosted by Pablo Maia for Botafogo | OneFootball

With defensive midfielder Pablo Maia available again after recovering from surgery to repair fractures in his nose and face, São Paulo wrapped up preparations this Friday (22) to face Botafogo.

Tricolor will host the Rio de Janeiro side on Saturday afternoon (23), at 5 p.m. (Brasília time), at Morumbi, in a match valid for the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship.

The São Paulo midfielder improved his fitness and trained normally with his teammates in recent days after undergoing surgery on April 10. And he could once again help his old partner Dorival Júnior on the field.

This final day of preparation at CT da Barra Funda for the clash with the Rio de Janeiro team began with the players watching a video presentation shown by the coaching staff.

Work on the pitch then started with a warm-up featuring technical drills and acceleration exercises guided by the fitness staff.

Next, coach Dorival Júnior also led an 11-v-11 tactical session, giving instructions and simulating game situations, where he defined the team’s lineup.

There was also positional work with the players expected to start the match. Finally, the squad held a session on attacking and defensive set pieces.

If São Paulo will have Pablo Maia back, the team also has three absences due to suspension: full-back Enzo Díaz, midfielder Bobadilla, and forward André Silva picked up their third yellow card against Fluminense in the last round and are definite absences for Dorival, in addition to the names already in the medical department. Marcos Antônio is also still not expected to return.

So, a likely Tricolor lineup is: Rafael, Lucas Ramón, Alan Franco, Sabino and Wendell; Luan (Pablo Maia), Danielzinho and Luciano; Artur, Ferreirinha (Cauly) and Calleri.

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