Corinthians injury crisis deepens—but unexpected break offers hope | OneFootball

Corinthians' medical team has been presented with new challenges as the club’s injury list continues to lengthen ahead of a crucial segment of the season. Midfielder Raniele is the latest addition, after scans confirmed a muscle injury to his left hamstring. He was forced to exit the pitch before halftime during the goalless draw against Vitória last Sunday.

Raniele’s setback means the squad now counts four first-team players undergoing treatment. Striker Yuri Alberto remains sidelined with a fracture to the right L1 vertebra, while André Carrillo is also recovering from a left hamstring problem. Defender Gustavo Henrique, meanwhile, is in rehabilitation following hernia surgery performed just over a month ago. Notably, head coach Dorival Júnior has sought to limit further injuries by rotating his lineup and managing minutes, but the physical toll of a congested calendar continues to show.

The injury situation comes as the club faces a break in competitive fixtures due to the ongoing FIFA international window. Corinthians return to training this Wednesday, resuming preparations during the national team pause, and their next game is set for June 12 against Grêmio in the Brazilian Championship.

Significantly, the fixture list is set to provide extra recovery time: following the Grêmio match, domestic football pauses again, this time for around a month during the Club World Cup from June 13 to July 14. With no Corinthians matches scheduled for that period, the club hopes the respite will facilitate the return of several of their recuperating players.

In the background, the club’s medical department has undergone leadership changes. Dr. André Jorge has taken up the role of head of medical services, replacing Dr. Ana Carolina Ramos e Côrte, who left the position in April after a six-year tenure. Jorge, who joined the club in January, brings 24 years of experience in orthopedics, traumatology, and regenerative medicine. He is supported by Dr. Eures Facci and Dr. João Marcelo, who continue as part of the core medical staff.

With the training ground also serving as base for the Brazil national team’s preparations for their World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, Corinthians find themselves at the center of attention—yet the focus within the club remains firmly on getting key squad members back to fitness during this crucial pause.

Source: UOL