Yuri Alberto injury intensifies fight for Corinthians attack spot | OneFootball

A injury to forward Yuri Alberto promises to intensify the competition for a spot in the Corinthians attack. The number 9 underwent tests last Monday and was diagnosed with a grade 2 injury to the biceps femoris of the left thigh, as reported by the club itself.

Yuri was called upon by the technical staff 17 minutes into the first half in the match against São Bernardo on Sunday. The forward sprinted at the 44th minute and, almost immediately, placed his hand on the back of his left thigh. His teammates then signaled the need for a substitution. The striker left the field on a stretcher and, upon reaching the bench, was carried by the club's staff.

Last Monday, Corinthians confirmed the forward's injury but did not disclose the timeline for his return. Injuries of this type, however, usually require a recovery time of four to six weeks. With this in mind, Yuri Alberto may not play for Timão again in the Campeonato Paulista.

Intense competition for a spot

Yuri Alberto's injury opens up space for intense competition in the starting attack. With the formation used by Dorival Júnior's technical staff, Corinthians usually plays with the duo Yuri and Memphis. Without the number 9, a spot opens up to play alongside the Dutchman.

Currently, Timão has five other options to fill the offensive sector: Pedro Raul, Gui Negão, Vitinho, Kayke, and Dieguinho. Kaio César, who usually plays more on the wings, is recovering from a muscle injury in the right thigh and is expected to return to games by the weekend.

Among these names, Pedro Raul, Vitinho, Gui Negão, and Kayke are more accustomed to playing as strikers. However, only two of them are natural number 9s: Pedro Raul and Gui Negão. The other two have been improvised in the role on various occasions. The number 11, in fact, was a starter in the 1-0 victory over São Bernardo last Sunday.

The four can bring different characteristics to Corinthians' attack. Pedro Raul, for example, can be useful in terms of pivots and aerial play. Meanwhile, Vitinho and Kayke stand out for their speed and individual quality in one-on-one situations, while Gui Negão is noted for his mobility, positioning, and game vision.

All of them have also had opportunities as starters this season. The least used was Kayke, who played five games. Pedro Raul and Gui Negão played seven matches, while Vitinho had the most chances, with ten appearances. Of these, only the Filhos do Terrão have scored so far, with one goal each.

Dorival also has the option to test a new tactical scheme and use only one fixed striker, with two more aggressive wingers. Vitinho, Dieguinho, Kayke, and Kaio César could be options for this.

Yuri Alberto's Numbers

Yuri Alberto is an undisputed starter for Corinthians and has contributed three goals in eight matches this season. He is the team's top scorer at the start of the year.

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