Dorival defends Corinthians forward and is optimistic over midfielder injury scare | OneFootball

Corinthians beat Athletico Paranaense 1-0 at Arena da Baixada in the Campeonato Brasileiro on Thursday night, and, according to Meu Timao, Dorival defended starter Vitinho and sounded optimistic over Matheus Pereira after an injury scare.

Vitinho, wearing number 11, started but had limited impact in attack and was withdrawn after 61 minutes for midfielder André Luiz.

Dorival described the forward as a useful option, adding that he needs a run of games to sharpen his condition and that he hopes to see him in better situations as the schedule unfolds.

Matheus Pereira left the pitch with pain in the back of his right thigh and was seen limping. Dorival suggested it did not initially appear serious, saying he hoped it was nothing significant.

The medical room currently includes left-back Hugo Farias, recovering from right knee meniscus surgery, plus forwards Kaio César, out with a right hamstring issue, and Yuri Alberto, who has a grade 2 injury to his left biceps femoris. Breno Bidon has begun a physical transition phase.

With a chance Pereira could feature, attention now turns to the Campeonato Paulista. Corinthians face Portuguesa in the quarter-finals at 20:30 at Estádio do Canindé.

Source: Meu Timao