Corinthians report significant rise in muscle injuries in 2026 | OneFootball

Corinthians have recorded a sharp increase in muscle injuries in 2026, with six players sidelined by March. After three months, the tally already represents about 46 per cent of the average total from the previous two full seasons.

Cacá, Breno Bidon, Matheus Pereira, Kaio César, Yuri Alberto and, most recently, Memphis Depay have all been out. The club said the short pre-season, plus a 21-day gap between the final match of 2025 and the Campeonato Paulista opener, hindered preparation, and staff accelerated workloads to face Flamengo in the Supercopa do Brasil on 1 February.

There were 14 such absences in 2025 and 12 in 2024.

The team have already played 19 matches this year. Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu are nearing 1,500 minutes, while Hugo Souza has logged 1,827, the most in the squad.

Among those affected this year, two arrived recently, Matheus Pereira and Kaio César.

The attacker, who spent two seasons with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, is still adapting to the pace of Brazilian football and remains in the treatment room after a recurrence of inflammation in his right thigh.

Source: Globo.com