Palmeiras will be full of absences for the clash with Coritiba in the Brasileirão

Flaco López participated in two World Cup games against Jordan, in the last round of the group stage, and Switzerland, in the quarter-finals. He came off the bench in both and played for just 18 years. However, the center forward provided an assist for Argentina’s 3-1 victory over the Swiss.

Other missing players are Allan and Paulinho, who are suspended, and full-backs Giay, who suffered a sprained ankle, and Jefté, who underwent knee surgery and is unlikely to play any more this season. Striker Vitor Roque is recovered from a problem with his left ankle, but is not yet expected to start among the starters.

Palmeiras’ probable lineup has Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo and Arthur (Piquerez); Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira and Lucas Evangelista; Arias, Mauricio and Ramón Sosa.

“We are looking forward to playing again after such a long break. I think everyone is anxious, wanting to compete again, meet our fans and win the games. Everyone is very focused and with a lot of determination, the last training sessions were very busy and now it’s time to put all of this into the games”, said midfielder Andreas Pereira.

Palmeiras calls alert with Coritiba

Palmeiras has 41 points in 18 games, seven more than second-placed Flamengo, and has already confirmed its best campaign in the first round of the Brazilian Championship even with one game to play. Alviverde is also the best visitor, with 18 points in nine games, and has not lost away from home since 2-1 to Vasco in March.

Even with good numbers, Palmeiras is worried about the performance of Coritiba, which is in 7th place, with 26 points, but has the 4th worst campaign as home team. Coxa only won three of the eight matches at Couto Pereira.

“They (Coritiba) have been having a good campaign, they are a team that has many qualities. We analyzed them well, we respect their qualities a lot and we know that they are a qualified team that deserves to be in Series A. But we will definitely play there to win and get the three points”declared Andreas Pereira.