Corinthians near clean bill of health as Yuri Alberto targets Chapecoense return | OneFootball

Corinthians near a clean bill of health, with Yuri Alberto likely to return against Chapecoense on Thursday, widening Dorival Júnior’s options.

According to Meu Timao, only goalkeeper Felipe Longo, with a right elbow ligament strain, and left-back Hugo Farias, rehabilitating after lateral meniscus surgery on his right knee, remain in the medical department.

Longo could be back in the coming weeks, and there had been hope he might even make an eventual Campeonato Paulista final squad. Farias is not expected back before the World Cup, scheduled between 11 June and 19 July.

Against Santos on Sunday, Matheus Pereira and Kaio César returned after about a month out. Pereira was named in the squad but did not play, having been sidelined since 19 February with a grade 2 left hamstring injury suffered against Athletico Paranaense.

Kaio César started and set up Memphis Depay to open the scoring for Timão. He had injured his right thigh against Capivariano on 5 February.

Jesse Lingard remains unavailable, building fitness after last playing on 10 December 2025. Dorival Júnior estimated about 10 days of preparation before a physical assessment, and the Englishman still awaits a work visa to be registered in the CBF's BID.

Dorival now has 27 players available but can name only 23 per match. Against Santos, João Pedro Tchoca, Dieguinho and Zakarya Labyad were left out, and Yuri Alberto’s return means one more will be cut.

With Chapecoense in Santa Catarina on Thursday and Flamengo at Neo Química Arena on Sunday, he is expected to turn to alternative options. The club have been busy in the market with exits and arrivals, and 12 players have already missed games this year amid a packed fixture list since early January.

Source: Meu Timao