Midfielder out, no option for Corinthians in Copa do Brasil opener | OneFootball

Defensive midfielder Alex Santana, 30, has once again become an option for Corinthians and had his name included on the squad list for the Copa do Brasil. His reintegration into the squad happened recently, following a request from head coach Fernando Diniz. Even so, the midfielder will not take part in the team’s competition debut against Barra, in a match scheduled for this Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. at Ressacada.

According to information from Meu Timão, the player is still not ready to play, and his absence from the clash in Santa Catarina is due to a technical decision by Diniz’s coaching staff. The idea is for him to continue improving physically before being called up again.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Signed in 2024 from Athletico Paranaense for around 2 million euros (approximately R$12 million at the time), Alex has made 37 appearances in the black-and-white shirt, 17 of them as a starter, and has scored two goals. He was also part of the squad that won the Paulista Championship in 2025.

Throughout last season, the defensive midfielder lost space after the arrival of head coach Dorival Júnior in April. With fewer opportunities, he ended up being loaned to Grêmio in June, where he remained until the end of the year. At the club from Rio Grande do Sul, he had limited involvement, making only ten appearances and no longer being used in the final stretch of the season.

His last official appearance came on October 4, 2025, when he came off the bench in Grêmio’s 1-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian Championship.

After the end of his loan spell, he returned to CT Joaquim Grava, but was removed from the main group by decision of the coaching staff at the time, training at alternate times alongside center-back Renato, who was also not in the plans. At the same time, the board sought to negotiate the player, who even attracted interest from other teams, but talks did not progress.

In addition to the Copa do Brasil, Alex Santana is cleared to play in the Brasileirão. In the Libertadores, however, he can only be registered if Corinthians advance to the knockout stage. Since last Monday, he has been working normally again with the main squad, although he was not called up for the goalless draw against Vitória last Saturday.

The position currently offers several alternatives for Diniz, such as Raniele, Allan, Matheus Pereira, André Luiz, André Carrillo, Breno Bidon, and Charles. To earn more space again, the defensive midfielder will need to regain his rhythm and convince the coaching staff on the pitch.

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