Oscar fit again, hoping for Copa do Brasil squad return after two months | OneFootball

São Paulo is living with great anticipation at the possibility of once again having a player who can make a difference in the decisive match against LDU-EQU. The São Paulo club hopes to have Oscar back for this Thursday’s quarterfinal match of the Copa Libertadores.

São Paulo fell behind on the scoreboard after losing 2-0 in the first leg, played on Ecuadorian soil, and will need to stage a historic comeback if they want to qualify in regular time. In this sense, Oscar, who has undeniable quality, could be a key piece.

São Paulo’s number 8 is looking forward to being named in the squad again after two months. The attacking midfielder has fully recovered from fractures in the L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae in his lower back and has been training normally with his teammates since last Friday.

The trend, therefore, is that Oscar could at least be on the bench for this Thursday’s match. If he does indeed play, coach Hernán Crespo may use him if he deems it necessary. After all, São Paulo needs at least two goals to take the tie to penalties.

Even if he doesn’t take the field, Oscar can also make a difference in São Paulo’s locker room. The midfielder can contribute with all his experience and tries to play a leadership role, aiming to instill confidence in the other players who will be on the Morumbis pitch.

It’s worth remembering that Oscar hasn’t worn the São Paulo shirt in official matches since July 19. On that occasion, he started in the derby against Corinthians, in the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship. He played only 16 minutes, but had to leave the field after the play that resulted in his vertebrae fracture.

The midfielder has struggled with physical problems since his return to São Paulo. The number 8 suffered a thigh muscle injury at the beginning of March and returned on April 2 against Talleres, but felt pain again. The player managed a short run of games, but suffered a thigh edema at the end of May and was sidelined for almost two months. When he fully recovered, he ended up suffering the back injury.

Despite the injuries, Oscar has posted good numbers for São Paulo this season. The midfielder has two goals and five assists in 21 matches (18 as a starter).

Lucas may also be available

São Paulo also hopes to count on the long-awaited return of Lucas Moura. The number 7 trained normally with the squad last Tuesday and took part fully in ball work. The player’s situation will be decided in the final training session before the match, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

If he is fit, the trend is that Lucas will at least be on the bench due to the importance of the match against LDU. He underwent arthroscopy on his right knee on August 30, but has been working hard to be present for the game.

Like Oscar, Lucas has also had ups and downs this season. The forward has struggled with his right knee since March, when he was first injured in the derby against Palmeiras, still in the Paulista Championship. Since then, he returned to the pitch and felt his knee again on two occasions: once in May and again in August.

The situation is very similar to Oscar’s—so much so that the two have almost the same number of games in 2025. This season, Lucas has played 19 matches (10 as a starter), with four goals scored and one assist.

Upcoming São Paulo matches

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