Abel assistant João Martins updates Paulinho status at Palmeiras and urges patience | OneFootball

Palmeiras edged Red Bull Bragantino 1-0 in Bragança Paulista on Sunday in the 13th round of the Brasileirão. Standing in for the suspended Abel Ferreira, assistant João Martins offered a cautious update on Paulinho’s recovery, stressing the forward will only return when fully ready.

After Flaco López’s first-half strike, Martins accepted the side were below their best, yet he praised their organisation and intensity out of possession. According to Nosso Palestra, he added that results come first when inspiration is lacking.

Paulinho was again omitted from the squad as he continues rehab from surgery on his left leg. Although he has been training fully with the group at the Academia de Futebol in São Paulo, he remains in physical reconditioning and will not be rushed.

The win made it three successive clean sheets, equalling Palmeiras’ best sequence of 2026, set in the opening three matches. Martins welcomed the run and highlighted the rotation at centre-back across the last three games, with defenders clear on their roles.

The result opened a six-point lead at the top. Verdão have 32 points, ahead of Flamengo on 26, with Fluminense and São Paulo third and fourth on 23.

Palmeiras now turn to the Libertadores on Wednesday 29, against Cerro Porteño in group stage round four. They lead Group F on four points, with Sporting Cristal and Cerro both on three, before facing Santos on Saturday two at Allianz Parque in the Brasileirão.

Source: Nosso Palestra