Corinthians race clock as trio await UK clearance before women’s Club World Cup semi | OneFootball

With four days to go before the Fifa Champions Cup, Corinthians are in London missing Dayana Rodríguez, Paola García and Gisela Robledo. According to Meu Timao, the trio remain in Brazil because UK entry paperwork has not been completed.

They did not board last Tuesday’s flight as the documents were not ready. Venezuelan and Colombian passport holders face stricter procedures than the Brazilian contingent and Uruguayan Belén Aquino when entering the United Kingdom.

Early expectations were positive, but the clock is ticking. The process is ongoing and the players are waiting on British authorities, while a one-off, knockout semi-final looms with a place in the final on the line.

Corinthians face Gotham FC, Concacaf’s reigning champions, featuring Brazilians Gabi Portilho and Bruninha alongside established internationals from the United States and Europe.

Even if the trio arrive in time, adaptation is a concern. London is freezing and training in low temperatures, shown by Corinthians TV on Friday, leaves little time to adapt to climate, time zone and pitch.

Their absence would bite, especially that of Rodríguez, a starting midfielder central to the team’s defensive balance. Robledo has been a rotation option, while recent arrival García had begun to emerge as a defensive alternative.

Corinthians are without centre-backs Thaís Regina, who had surgery for a left ankle fibula fracture, and Agustina Barroso, sidelined by a recurring contracture linked to scarring in the left soleus. The semi-final is set for 9.30am on Wednesday 28 at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Source: Meu Timao