Corinthians could miss six against Uruguay's Peñarol in Libertadores | OneFootball

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Newsroom

On the night of this Thursday (30), at 9 p.m. (Brasília time), Corinthians will face Peñarol of Uruguay at Neo Química Arena in the third round of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores group stage. The club from Parque São Jorge is currently the leader of Group E with six points – four goals scored and none conceded, having beaten Platense-ARG and Santa Fé-COL, both by 2-0, in the first two matches.

Corinthians’ coaching staff is expected to have the following absences for the match: center-back João Pedro Tchoca (pubalgia), left-back Hugo Farias (recovering from surgery on the meniscus in his right knee), defensive midfielder Charles (pain in his right heel), as well as forwards Kayke (recovering from surgery on the cruciate ligament in his left knee), Memphis Depay and Gui Negão – both in physical transition after muscle injuries.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

On the other hand, goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who missed the last two matches due to muscle discomfort and an STJD suspension, respectively, and right-back Matheuzinho, who was absent from the last game due to suspension for his actions in the Derby, will return to the starting lineup. No players are one booking away from suspension for the match.

That being the case, Alvinegro could start the match with: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Gabriel Paulista, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu; Raniele, André Luiz (Allan), Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro; Vitinho (Lingard) and Yuri Alberto.

If they beat the Uruguayans tomorrow night, the club from Parque São Jorge will match its second-best start in the history of the international competition. In 2003, Corinthians won its first three group-stage matches, beating Cruz Azul of Mexico (1-0), Fênix of Uruguay (2-1) and The Strongest of Bolivia (4-1).

It is worth remembering that Corinthians is seeking an international title for the first time since 2013, when it defeated São Paulo 4-1 on aggregate in the final of that year’s Recopa Sudamericana. In the Libertadores, Alvinegro is looking to win the competition again 14 years after its only title so far (2012).

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