No Ferreirinha: São Paulo’s options to face Fluminense | OneFootball

São Paulo has a significant absence for the game against Fluminense this Thursday. Ferreirinha, the team's third top scorer of the season, is out due to a edema in his left thigh. Coach Hernán Crespo will face the tough task of finding a substitute for the number 11 in the match that will take place at Maracanã. The game kicks off at 8:30 PM.

The task is challenging because, besides Ferreirinha, there is no consensus in the sector. Furthermore, full-backs Enzo Díaz and Wendell, who could play on the left flank, are injured. Thus, Gazeta Esportiva has listed the main candidates available in the squad for the number 11's spot.

Lucca

Substitute for Ferreirinha in the match against Juventude, Lucca emerged as one of São Paulo's great promises this season. At just 18 years old, he was promoted to the main team of Tricolor Paulista by Luís Zubeldía and debuted with a “saving” goal against Libertad in the group stage of the Libertadores.

Despite the great debut, he didn't have many opportunities throughout the year, appearing in only seven matches, and saw his playing time decrease with the arrival of Hernán Crespo. However, after a good performance against Juventude, he was praised by the Argentine coach and might appear as a starter at Maracanã.

Rigoni

There is also the possibility of Rigoni taking Ferreirinha's place. The Argentine, who scored one of the goals against Juventude, can play wide on the flanks, especially if Crespo opts for a more offensive setup.

Rigoni returned to São Paulo in September this year, played in ten matches, and scored only one goal.

Rodriguinho

A less likely option is the return of Rodriguinho to São Paulo's starting lineup. The 21-year-old midfielder was gaining continuity with Crespo last month.

If Crespo decides to forgo the flanks due to the absences on the field's edges, the Argentine might crowd the center, and thus, Rodriguinho would return to the starting team.

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