Palmeiras get rare training break, could be boosted v Sporting Cristal | OneFootball

Palmeiras return to action this Thursday (16) against Sporting Cristal in the Copa Libertadores after a rare situation this season: three days of work between one match and the next.

After the draw with Corinthians last Sunday (12), head coach Abel Ferreira got the break he had been asking for since the intense run of matches following the FIFA international window at the end of March. Until then, the team had always been playing with only two days of preparation between games.

Break could help players recover

The longer training period also comes at an important time for the medical department. Forward Vitor Roque, out since March 21 with a left ankle injury, has made progress in his recovery, has already trained with the squad, and could be an option for the match.

Paulinho has also improved physically and took part in much of the training, but he is still not expected to be available for the clash.

Another new development is the return of Jhon Arias, who served a suspension in the derby and has returned to training normally.

Home stretch

The match also marks the start of an important run at home. It will be the first time in 2026 that Palmeiras will play three consecutive home games, including matches in the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship, and the Copa do Brasil.

In the Libertadores, Verdão will be looking for their first win after opening with a 1-1 draw away to Junior Barranquilla.

The match against Sporting Cristal will take place at 7 p.m. (Brasília time) at Allianz Parque.

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