SÃO PAULO – Corinthians are preparing for their Campeonato Paulista quarter-final clash against Portuguesa with a boost in midfield, as Breno Bidon is expected to return to the starting lineup. The 21-year-old midfielder has recovered from a right hamstring strain and has been cleared by the medical staff, participating in full training sessions at CT Joaquim Grava.
Bidon’s return provides a welcome option for Dorival Júnior, especially considering his recent form before the injury. He has scored two goals this season and adds a dynamic presence to the Corinthians midfield. He sustained the injury in the derby against Palmeiras on , sidelining him for matches against Red Bull Bragantino, São Bernardo, and Athletico-PR.
However, Corinthians are proceeding with caution regarding forward Kaio César. He has begun physical transition work but is not yet deemed fit to return to action. The club’s medical department is taking a measured approach with César, who is still adapting to the pace of Brazilian football after playing for Al Hilal in recent seasons.
Left-back Fabrizio Angileri is also a potential option for Dorival Júnior, marking his first appearance of the season if selected. Angileri has been training with the squad and could provide additional depth to the defense.
The news of Bidon’s recovery comes amid concerns about a rising number of muscle injuries within the Corinthians squad. Reports indicate that muscle injuries have doubled in , potentially linked to a congested match schedule. This highlights the importance of careful player management and injury prevention strategies for the club.
Corinthians’ medical staff will continue to monitor the condition of all players as they prepare for the quarter-final against Portuguesa, scheduled for Sunday at Canindé, with a kickoff time of 8:30 PM Brasília time. The team is aiming to secure a positive result and advance to the next stage of the Campeonato Paulista.
The return of Bidon is particularly significant given the team’s recent performances. Corinthians secured a 2-1 victory over Santos in their most recent Paulista Championship match, a result that will provide a confidence boost heading into the quarter-final. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and deliver a strong performance against Portuguesa.
While the focus is on Bidon’s return, the cautious approach with Kaio César underscores the challenges of managing player fitness in a demanding season. The club’s medical team is prioritizing long-term player health and ensuring that players are fully recovered before returning to competitive action.
The quarter-final against Portuguesa represents a crucial juncture in Corinthians’ Campeonato Paulista campaign. A victory would propel them closer to the title, while a defeat could derail their ambitions. The team will be relying on the contributions of key players like Bidon, as well as a collective effort from the entire squad, to overcome their opponents and secure a place in the semi-finals.
The increased incidence of muscle injuries within the squad serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional football takes on players. Corinthians will need to carefully manage their training load and recovery protocols to minimize the risk of further injuries and ensure that their players are able to perform at their best throughout the season.
Fabrizio Angileri’s potential inclusion in the squad adds another dimension to Corinthians’ tactical options. His versatility and experience could prove valuable against Portuguesa, providing Dorival Júnior with additional flexibility in his team selection.
As Corinthians prepare for the quarter-final, the focus will be on maintaining a positive momentum and delivering a performance that reflects their ambitions. The return of Breno Bidon is a significant step in the right direction, and the team will be hoping to capitalize on his presence in midfield to secure a crucial victory.
