Logistics for Copa do Brasil return leg worry Corinthians, find out why | OneFootball

Corinthians is concerned about the logistics for the second leg against Athletico-PR in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. The match is scheduled for September 10, about two weeks from now, and there is concern that some players called up to their respective national teams may not be available.

Timão already has two players called up for the next FIFA date. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza was called up by Carlo Ancelotti to play for the Brazilian National Team, while midfielder José Martínez, still recovering from hand surgery, will represent Venezuela.

Brazil will take the field on September 4 and 9. The second match will be against Bolivia, in El Alto, one day before the decisive clash with Athletico-PR.

Despite the proximity of the matches, Corinthians hopes to count on Hugo Souza. The player is seen as the third option in the National Team squad and is unlikely to play. The only wear and tear would be caused by the long trips.

Martínez's case, however, is more complex. Venezuela will also play on the eve of the Copa do Brasil clash, against Colombia, in Maturín. However, unlike Hugo, the midfielder is a starter for his national team and, unless something unexpected happens, should play. Therefore, his participation in the second match against Furacão is seen as unlikely.

Three other Corinthians players are still waiting to see if they will be called up: Ecuadorian Félix Torres, Paraguayan Ángel Romero, and Dutchman Memphis Depay. The lists for these national teams have not yet been officially released.

If these call-ups are confirmed, Timão could suffer further losses. Romero's Paraguay and Félix's Ecuador also have matches scheduled for the 9th. However, the pair are considered reserves for the black-and-white team.

Memphis is the least concerning. If called up by the Netherlands, the number 10 would play his last match on Sunday, September 7. Therefore, he would have enough time to return to Brazil and play for Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil.

The club's management is preparing a task force to minimize absences and have as many players available as possible. It is worth remembering that Dorival already cannot count on the injured Hugo, André Carrillo, and possibly Yuri Alberto. The coach spoke about the complicated logistics at a press conference last Wednesday.

“I believe we will have one or two more called up. We are working to have some of them. Martínez, for example, will be on the field a day before, and will hardly be able to show up. I think it's a different situation from Memphis, if confirmed. He plays on Sunday, so he would be able to return. The board is concerned about this, seeking to minimize the difficulties. They are providing everything possible so that we have the full team,” he said.

Corinthians beat Athletico-PR in the first leg at Ligga Arena, 1-0. With that, they only need a draw in the return leg to advance to the next stage of the Copa do Brasil. A loss by one goal takes the match to penalties, while a defeat by two or more goals eliminates the São Paulo team. The winner of the tie will face Cruzeiro or Atlético-MG in the semifinals.

The second meeting between the teams is scheduled for September 10, at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena.

Before that, Corinthians has nothing less than a Derby ahead. Dorival Júnior's team hosts Palmeiras this Sunday, in Itaquera, for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. The classic will kick off at 6:30 p.m.

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