At break, Moroccan playmaker off with knee twist, may miss Corinthians | OneFootball

On the night of this Thursday (30), Corinthians host Athletico-PR at Neo Química Arena in a match valid for the 21st round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship. Currently, Alvinegro sit in ninth place with 28 points — seven wins, seven draws, and six defeats — with 22 goals scored and 20 conceded, and are seeking a victory to stay close to the top spots.

The end of the first half was marked by a concern for Fernando Diniz’s coaching staff. That is because, in stoppage time, midfielder Zakaria Labyad, after challenging for the ball near the left touchline, ended up twisting and scraping his knee. Immediately, the No. 52 asked to be substituted and was attended to by Corinthians’ medical department. In his place, when play resumed after halftime, forward Kaio César was brought on.

Photo: Disclosure/Conmebol

It is worth remembering that, at this moment, the club from Parque São Jorge has the following players in the medical department: Hugo Farias (in physical transition after recovering from knee cruciate ligament surgery) and Matheus Bidu (pain in the pubic area, did not train this Wednesday), defensive midfielder Alex Santana (pubic pain), midfielder Vitinho (left knee meniscus surgery), as well as forwards Kayke Ferrari (recovering from cruciate ligament surgery) and Pedro Raul (pubic pain).

With a contract until December, Zakaria Labyad had been enjoying his best spell at Corinthians under Fernando Diniz, making the most of his opportunities when brought on, most often to replace Rodrigo Garro. Signed in March after a spell in Chinese football and having also gained experience in Dutch, English, and Portuguese football, he initially did not get much playing time under Dorival Jr, who left the position on April 5.

Wearing the Corinthians shirt, he has two goals and two assists in 17 matches (three as a starter), with eight wins, four draws, and five defeats. If the injury is confirmed, the Moroccan is expected to be unavailable for Corinthians in the coming months. Next Sunday (2), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), Timão will face Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium in the first leg of the aforementioned round of the national knockout tournament. The second match will take place on Sunday (6), at 8 p.m., at Neo Química Arena.

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