Botafogo Squad News: Ferraresi and Alex Telles Out for Coritiba Clash
Botafogo enters its next Botafogo vs. Coritiba Brazilian Serie A fixture with a reshuffled roster and a new voice on the touchline. As the club prepares to host Coritiba at the Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, the focus shifts to the absences in the defensive line and the debut of Portuguese manager Franclim Carvalho in league play.
The squad list released for Sunday’s match confirms that Ferraresi will not be available. The decision was described as a technical choice by the coaching staff, following the defender’s three-game run as a starter since joining the club. Alex Telles is absent from the lineup as Botafogo looks to stabilize a backline that has struggled for consistency early in the campaign.
For those unfamiliar with the current setup, Botafogo is in a transition period. Franclim Carvalho took the reins of the squad last Thursday, marking his official debut in a 1-1 draw against Caracas in the Sul-Americana. This weekend’s match against Coritiba serves as his first true test in the domestic league, where he will look to move the club up from its current position in the standings.
Defensive Adjustments and Tactical Shifts
With Ferraresi and Telles unavailable, Carvalho is expected to lean on the pairing of Bastos and Barboza in central defense. This duo previously featured in the manager’s debut match against Caracas, and their chemistry will be vital against a Coritiba side that has proven resilient in recent outings.
The defensive stakes are high. According to current league data, Botafogo has conceded 19 goals in its first nine matches, leaving them with a goal difference of -3. Tightening the defense is the immediate priority for Carvalho if the club hopes to climb the table.
The Opponent: Coritiba’s Search for a Win
Coritiba arrives in Rio de Janeiro sitting in a stronger position with 15 points, though they are currently enduring a dry spell. The Paranaense side has gone three consecutive matches without a victory, including 1-1 draws against Vasco and Fluminense at the Couto Pereira, and a 1-0 loss to Athletico.
Despite the recent lack of wins, Coritiba remains a dangerous opponent. They have managed a more disciplined defensive record than their hosts, conceding only 10 goals so far this season. For the visitors, this match is the final leg of a challenging three-game stretch against Rio de Janeiro-based clubs.
Current standings show Coritiba maintaining a spot in the intermediate zone of the table, while Botafogo sits in 10th place with 12 points. A victory for the home side would bridge that gap and provide much-needed momentum for the new managerial era.
Match Logistics and How to Watch
The encounter is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM local time in Rio de Janeiro (19:00 UTC) at the Estádio Nilton Santos.
Fans can follow the action via the following channels:
- Live Broadcast: sportv and Premiere
- Real-time Updates: ge (Globo Esporte)
Key Match Facts
| Stat/Detail | Botafogo | Coritiba |
|---|---|---|
| League Points | 12 | 15 |
| Goals Against | 19 | 10 |
| Recent Form | 1-1 vs Caracas (Sul-Americana) | 3 games without a win |
| Manager | Franclim Carvalho | N/A |
As the 11th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro unfolds, this match represents a pivotal moment for Botafogo to establish a new identity under Carvalho. Whether the absence of key defenders like Ferraresi and Telles hinders their progress or allows a new partnership to flourish will be the primary narrative of the afternoon.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the club will be the official post-match report and the subsequent squad announcement for their following league fixture.
Do you think the Bastos-Barboza pairing can hold off Coritiba’s attack? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
