Palmeiras hail Paulinho goal, caution on minutes until World Cup break | OneFootball

Paulinho marked his first goal in more than 300 days, sealing Palmeiras’ 3-0 win over Flamengo at the Maracanã on Saturday, but the club will keep his minutes tightly managed until the World Cup break.

He has been eased back since early this month, first named in a derby with Santos and used off the bench to build rhythm, according to Globo.com.

Inside the club the mood is upbeat after an important step, yet caution prevails. The likelihood of him starting either of the final two games before the pause is close to zero.

The plan is for him to increase his training load during the World Cup period, returning with the possibility of contributing more in the latter stages of the Copa do Brasil and the Libertadores, as well as the Brasileirão.

So far in 2026 he has featured in six matches, averaging 11 minutes per appearance.

He is likely to be included on Wednesday when Palmeiras face Junior Barranquilla at the Allianz Parque.

Source: Globo.com