Zakaria Labyad off before half-time with suspected serious left knee injury | OneFootball

Corinthians reached the interval against Athletico Paranaense with a new concern as Zakaria Labyad went off before half-time with a suspected serious injury to his left knee.

The incident happened in first-half stoppage time near the left touchline just beyond halfway as the Moroccan tried to change direction. According to Meu Timao, he planted his left foot on the Neo Química Arena pitch, which is in the final stages of a full relaying, and lost balance. He felt a twist to the joint, which was bleeding, then went down and requested an immediate substitution.

Despite the additional time, referee Paulo Cesar Zanovelli blew for half-time. Labyad received treatment and, supported by team-mates, was taken to the dressing room on a stretcher. The forward Kaio César came on in his place, selected by Fernando Diniz.

The midfielder started as part of a rotated line-up. It was only his third start in 18 appearances for Corinthians, for whom he has scored two goals.

The 33-year-old joined in February 2026 on a free after leaving Dalian Yingbo in China. A close relationship with Memphis Depay, a former team-mate in PSV’s youth set-up in the Netherlands, helped the move.

Labyad’s deal runs to December 2026 and could renew automatically if pre-set targets are met. Any extension would keep him at the club until the end of next season.

Source: Meu Timao