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Headline: Corinthians Sweat on Fitness of Key Players Ahead of Crucial Copa do Brasil Clash
São Paulo, Brazil – Corinthians face an anxious wait to learn if key players Yuri Alberto and Raniele will be fit for Sunday’s decisive Copa do Brasil semi-final second leg against Cruzeiro. Both participated in the team’s final training session, but are still battling physical limitations and their availability remains uncertain.
Striker Yuri Alberto is struggling with pubic pain that has plagued him since last week. He played in the first leg in Belo Horizonte, but was clearly not at full strength. He will undergo further evaluation right up until game time, with his superior fitness giving him a slightly higher chance of featuring. However, the coaching staff are wary of risking a more serious injury that could jeopardize his availability for a potential Copa do Brasil final.
Midfielder Raniele continues to experience discomfort in his left ankle. If selected, he is expected to start on the bench.
Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo Garro, recovering from a calf injury, also trained. He will likely start as a substitute, with the coaching staff carefully managing his playing time to avoid further setbacks, having gradually increased his minutes on the field since returning.
Internally, there’s optimism that both Yuri Alberto and Raniele will be available to manager Dorival Júnior.
The likely starting lineup for Corinthians is: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique e Matheus Bidu; Maycon, André Carrillo, José Martínez e Breno Bidon (Rodrigo Garro); Memphis Depay e Vitinho (Yuri Alberto or Gui Negão).
Corinthians are looking to secure their place in the Copa do Brasil final.
First Piper 