A depleted squad and a transfer ban create a major headache for Corinthians before critical matches.
Corinthians are on high alert. As the season enters its most decisive phase, the club finds itself at a worrying crossroads, dealing with a crowded infirmary and an inability to register new signings.
The situation is critical, especially with knockout matches approaching in the main competitions.
Eight players sidelined
The squad currently has eight players under the care of the medical department, a list that is causing serious concern:
- Kayke (anterior cruciate ligament injury in the left knee)
- Alex Santana (knee trauma)
- Matheus Bidu (pubic pain)
- Vitinho (meniscus injury in the left knee)
- Pedro Raul (pubic pain)
- Zakaria Labyad (ACL rupture and meniscus injury in the left knee)
- Yuri Alberto (hamstring muscle injury in the right thigh)
- Rodrigo Garro (right foot trauma)
Left-back Hugo is also recovering from a meniscus injury and is currently undergoing physical transition.
Crucial decisions on the horizon
The next few weeks will be vital for Corinthians. In addition to their campaign in the Brazilian Serie A, the team faces knockout ties in the Copa do Brasil against Internacional and the Copa Libertadores versus Rosario Central.
Given the circumstances, the number of absentees is a massive factor for manager Fernando Diniz.
Cautious optimism and the FIFA ban
Amidst the concerning landscape, there is a glimmer of hope for some players. There is an expectation that Matheus Bidu could return for the match against Internacional this Sunday (2nd) at Beira-Rio. The coaching staff is also optimistic regarding Rodrigo Garro.
However, the situation is worsened by three active transfer bans, which prevent the club from registering new players and limit options to address the gaps in the lineup.
Despite the restrictions, the football operations department is working behind the scenes and hopes to have Memphis Depay on board soon. Should the forward approve the contract terms and pass his medical exams, he will sign a two-season deal with the club.
Timão’s upcoming schedule:
- 08/02 – Internacional vs. Corinthians – Beira-Rio (Copa do Brasil Round of 16, First Leg)
- 08/06 – Corinthians vs. Internacional – Neo Química Arena (Copa do Brasil Round of 16, Second Leg)
- 08/09 – RB Bragantino vs. Corinthians – Estádio Municipal Cícero de Souza Marques (Brazilian Serie A)
- 08/13 – Rosario Central vs. Corinthians – Gigante de Arroyito (Copa Libertadores Round of 16, First Leg)
- 08/16 – Corinthians vs. Cruzeiro – Neo Química Arena (Brazilian Serie A)
- 08/20 – Corinthians vs. Rosario Central – Neo Química Arena (Copa Libertadores Round of 16, Second Leg)
