Zakaria Labyad eyes Corinthians debut next week and hails Dorival support | OneFootball

Zakaria Labyad says he could be ready to make his Corinthians debut next week as he continues his reconditioning.

According to Meu Timao, he was presented at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava on Tuesday, arrived on 8 February and was made official on 20 February after his work visa.

He has not played since the end of 2025 following his departure from China’s Dalian Yingbo and has focused on fitness work. After two weeks of physical training, he believes his body should be ready next week.

Labyad sees himself primarily as an attacking midfielder but says he can operate in five or six positions in the current set-up. He wants to contribute with goals and assists and, at 1.75 metres, underlines his strength in duels despite not being tall.

Head coach Dorival Júnior had said the move was not his request, coming on Memphis Depay’s recommendation. Over the past fortnight, Labyad says Dorival has helped him settle and that he is enjoying his start.

Born in Utrecht, he played for Netherlands youth teams before choosing Morocco from the 2012 Olympics. He has six senior friendlies and two goals, and feels playing for a club of Corinthians’ size could boost his World Cup chances.

Labyad trained on Tuesday but is not expected to be included for Corinthians’ next game, with the team flying to Minas Gerais today to face Cruzeiro on Wednesday at 20:00 in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Meu Timao