Why Arias is not starting for Palmeiras and Abel Ferreira’s plan | OneFootball

Palmeiras tweaked their attack for the Paulista final but Jhon Arias again stayed on the bench. According to Globo.com, the club’s biggest 2026 signing is still waiting for a first start.

Across four appearances, the number 11 has always come off the bench. He entered after 14 minutes of the second half on Wednesday. With Vitor Roque not fully fit for the final, Abel Ferreira started Sosa.

The Paraguayan was preferred because he has operated as a penalty-box striker this season, understudy to Flaco López and Vitor Roque. Arias fills a different role, competing with Mauricio and Allan, and he replaced the number 40.

Ferreira has stuck with the side that clicked over the past month, and the staff plan to integrate Arias gradually. In just over 30 minutes on Wednesday, he led the team for dribbles with two, completed eight passes, misplaced six, had one shot, committed one foul and made one tackle.

After the match, Ferreira said nothing is missing from the ex-Wolverhampton player, a R$ 155 million signing and the window’s biggest arrival, to break into the XI. He stressed the team are performing, some games are decided after the break, and Arias is an option to start or come on.

Looking to Sunday’s second leg, Palmeiras hope to have Vitor Roque closer to peak condition. Arias is likely to remain on the bench. Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Verdão need only a draw at 20:30 Brasília time in Novo Horizonte, São Paulo state.

Source: Globo.com