Fernando Diniz has ruled striker Yuri Alberto out of the upcoming Copa Libertadores Round of 16 first leg against Rosario Central, casting doubt on the forward’s immediate return to international competition as the club navigates a critical stretch of the season.
Alberto has been sidelined since July 30, when he left the pitch in tears complaining of pain in the posterior of his right thigh during a domestic fixture against Athletico-PR. While the club reports that the forward is making progress in his recovery, Diniz indicated in a post-match press conference that rushing him back for the continental clash in Argentina is unlikely.
“Yuri is ruled out.”
The absence leaves a significant void in the squad ahead of the Thursday night fixture at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito in Rosario. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. local time (00:30 UTC Friday), with the return leg set for August 20 at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo.
Stepping Up in Alberto’s Absence
With Alberto unavailable and fellow André also sidelined due to a muscular thigh injury reported by ge.globo.com, Corinthians has leaned on squad depth to maintain its competitive momentum. Pedro Raul has stepped into the starting center-forward role in recent matches, netting two goals across two consecutive games and earning praise from the coaching staff.
“We showed today that we have a team, that we have players,” Diniz said. “Like Pedro Raul, who scored two goals in two games. Aside from the goals, he helped a lot with defensive pressure, he helped the team a lot. He’s a player who has good moments in Brazilian football. This positive signal he is giving makes us very happy.”
Following the win over Bragantino, Corinthians climbed to seventh place in the Brasileirão standings with 32 points, registering eight wins, eight draws, and six defeats through 22 matches.
Memphis Depay Nears Eligibility
While the forward line deals with injuries, the club anticipates reinforcements regarding Memphis Depay. Diniz confirmed that contract renewal discussions with the player are nearing completion and could allow the player to rejoin training imminently.
“Memphis is very close to signing and returning to training,” Diniz stated, noting that the player has already undergone initial physical evaluations at the club and maintains a low body fat percentage. “It could be tomorrow, it could be Tuesday, but I know the deal is almost closed. We don’t know if he will be registered in time and if he will have enough time to debut on Thursday.”
The manager added that while Depay is physically fit to contribute, the technical staff will evaluate whether he can be included among the matchday substitutes for the trip to Argentina.
Schedule and Immediate Outlook
Corinthians faces a demanding fixture list across multiple competitions. Following Thursday’s continental away match against Rosario Central, the team returns to domestic action on Sunday, August 16, hosting Cruzeiro at the Neo Química Arena in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.
