Dorival Júnior hails Tchoca after Torino loan collapses and defender shines for Corinthians | OneFootball

João Pedro Tchoca returned to the Corinthians side on Thursday and stood out against Capivariano, earning praise from Dorival Júnior after his move to Torino fell through.

According to Meu Timao, the defender initially passed medical tests at Torino, but further checks flagged a bone condition described as arthritis, prompting the Italians to abandon a proposed loan. His representatives then criticised the club’s conduct and urged Corinthians to consider taking the case to Fifa.

Post-match, Dorival highlighted Tchoca’s composure and familiarity with the team’s approach despite limited recent training. He accepted the staff had expected some rust after time away, yet felt the centre-back handled the situation and played with confidence.

Tchoca has endured significant fitness setbacks in Corinthians’ academy. In 2019 he suffered knee cartilage damage that kept him out for one year and four months, and in 2023 an ankle injury led to his withdrawal from Brazil’s under-20 squad.

The aborted arrangement would have brought Corinthians 1.5 million euros for the loan, rising to 7 million euros if a permanent sale followed.

Tchoca is available to face Palmeiras at Neo Química Arena on Sunday at 20:30.

Source: Meu Timao