Corinthians rocked by injury scare ahead of Sudamericana decider | OneFootball

Corinthians face uncertainty regarding the immediate future of striker Yuri Alberto after the attacker suffered an injury late in the goalless draw against Atlético-MG on Saturday in Belo Horizonte. Introduced in the 65th minute as a substitute for Héctor Hernández, Yuri Alberto's return to action was cut short when he required assistance from teammates to leave the pitch at the MRV Arena, unable to put any weight on his right foot.

The precise moment of the injury was not immediately clear, though it is believed to have occurred during a late second-half challenge involving Atlético's midfielder Patrick. The incident was not deemed a foul, and there was no significant physical contact. Club representatives later explained that Yuri Alberto experienced lower back trauma, which resulted in a muscular contracture.

Head coach Dorival Júnior, speaking after the match, confirmed that the initial assessment from the club’s medical staff pointed toward a contracture but further diagnosis would depend on imaging exams scheduled for Sunday. The squad is remaining in Belo Horizonte until Monday, and the club intends to issue updates following the medical examination.

Yuri Alberto’s injury adds to concerns for Corinthians as they prepare for a crucial Copa Sudamericana fixture against Huracán in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. With the side needing a win to guarantee progression to the knockout rounds, the absence of their primary striker would be a significant setback.

Dorival Júnior fielded a largely rotated team against Atlético-MG, opting for a squad composed mainly of reserves. Yuri Alberto's appearance was his first action after starting on the bench. In the current campaign, the forward has been an essential component of the attack amid ongoing speculation regarding his future and persistent transfer interest from European clubs.

For now, Corinthians and their supporters await further news on the severity of the injury and whether Yuri Alberto will be available for the decisive continental tie. The medical team's findings in the coming days will provide greater clarity on recovery time and potential impact on upcoming fixtures.

Source: UOL, Globo