Injury-hit Corinthians begin preparations for Internacional Copa do Brasil second leg | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Corinthians held their first session on Tuesday for the Copa do Brasil last-16 second leg against Internacional, which kicks off at 20:00 Brasília time on Thursday at Neo Química Arena.

The squad returned to CT Joaquim Grava after a Monday off that followed a defeat at Beira-Rio on Sunday. Players began with gym activation before a warm-up and tactical work led by Fernando Diniz.

Midfielder Alex Santana, recovering from a knee knock sustained in training, took to the pitch but worked apart from the group. The expectation is that he begins his return-to-play transition on Wednesday, when Corinthians hold their final session before the tie.

Four players remain sidelined. In the Brasileirão match against Athletico, forward Yuri Alberto suffered a right thigh muscle injury and midfielder Zakaria Labyad sustained a meniscus injury with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Forwards Vitinho, who had meniscus surgery on his left knee, and Kayke, who is recovering from ACL surgery, are also out.

A likely XI features Hugo Souza in goal, Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu in defence, Raniele, André, Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro in midfield, with Kaio César alongside either Gui Negão, Pedro Raul or Jesse Lingard.

Having lost the first leg 2-0, Corinthians must win the return by two to force penalties or by three or more to reach the quarter-finals outright.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”