Forward suffers injury with Brazil Under-20s, likely out for Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians forward Gui Negão, one of the club’s young talents, was withdrawn from the Brazil Under-20 squad due to an injury. To take his place, head coach Paulo Victor called up Yuri Leles, a Red Bull Bragantino player. Despite confirming the withdrawal, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) did not officially disclose the nature of the physical issue.

“Forward Yuri Leles, from Red Bull Bragantino, was called up this Friday (27) by head coach Paulo Victor for the Brazil Under-20 team’s friendlies against Paraguay, on the 28th and 31st, at Martins Pereira and Canindé stadiums, respectively. Leles will replace Guilherme William, from Corinthians, who was injured,” the CBF wrote in an official statement.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

However, according to information first reported by TMC, the player suffered a grade 2 injury to the back of his right thigh. As a result, he is expected to be unavailable for Corinthians for around 20 to 30 days, the recovery period typically required for this type of injury.

Gui was the only Corinthians representative among the 26 players called up for the training camp and friendlies. Even so, during activities at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, two other club players joined the sessions: center-back Iago Machado and defensive midfielder Caraguá, both from the Under-20 squad.

In addition to Gui Negão, Corinthians also had another player withdrawn during this FIFA international window. Memphis Depay was released from the Netherlands squad after suffering a strain in the front of his right thigh during the match against Flamengo last Sunday. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Hugo Souza remains with Brazil’s senior national team, and midfielder André Carrillo is still available for the Peru national team.

Brazil’s Under-20 team will face Paraguay in two friendlies scheduled for this month, both in the state of São Paulo. Preparations are taking place between March 23 and 31. Until the 26th, training sessions are being held at Corinthians’ training center. On the 27th, the delegation heads to São José dos Campos, where it will play the first match on the 28th at 7 p.m. at Martins Pereira Stadium.

After that, the group returns to the state capital the following day to continue activities at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. Then, on the 30th, training will be held at Canindé, the venue for the second clash against Paraguay, scheduled for the 31st at 4 p.m.

Gui Negão, 19, has been with Corinthians since 2016, when he left Elite Itaquerense to initially play futsal for the club. Over the years, he went through several youth levels before switching to field football and reaching the professional squad.

After standing out at the Under-20 level — including finishing as runner-up in the 2025 Copinha — the forward earned opportunities under Dorival Júnior and was promoted to the first team after the Club World Cup in July 2025. Since then, he has made 36 appearances, with 16 wins, 14 losses and five draws, in addition to six goals and two assists.

The youngster played an important role in Corinthians’ 2025 Copa do Brasil title run, proving decisive in the quarterfinals against Athletico-PR with two goals and one assist. However, he later lost ground among the starters and is still trying to establish himself in the first team.

In August, he renewed his contract with Corinthians until June 30, 2030. According to the club, the release clause was adjusted to R$140 million for domestic transfers (previously R$40 million) and €100 million (around R$634 million) for international deals.

Now, the forward is doubtful for Corinthians’ next match after the FIFA international break. The black-and-white team faces Fluminense on April 1 at 9:30 p.m. at the Maracanã, in the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship.

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