São Paulo hit by key absences ahead of Copa do Brasil test | OneFootball

São Paulo are set to host Athletico Paranaense this Thursday at MorumBIS, kicking off their Copa do Brasil round of 16 tie at 19:30 local time, according to Arquibancada Tricolor. Hernán Crespo’s team comes into the first leg facing key personnel issues, most notably the absence of defender Ferraresi due to suspension. Juan Dinenno is also unavailable, having already featured in this year’s competition for Cruzeiro, making him ineligible for São Paulo in the current campaign.

The squad’s selection challenges are compounded by a run of injuries. Seven players—Luiz Gustavo, Calleri, Hugo Leonardo, among others—remain sidelined, limiting Crespo’s options when shaping his matchday squad for this all-important knockout fixture. The absence of both Ferraresi and Dinenno strips the Tricolor of leadership at the back and a significant attacking reference, requiring tactical adjustments from the São Paulo manager.

For supporters eager to follow every moment, the match will be broadcast on Prime Video, with pre-game and live commentary coverage available from MorumBIS.

This round marks the start of the Copa do Brasil’s final 16, with São Paulo and Athletico having navigated the early hurdles of the competition to arrive at this stage. The format sees the aggregate winner advancing to the quarter-finals, with new matchups to be determined by a further CBF draw after this phase.

As the pressure of knockout football returns to MorumBIS, the squad’s depth will be tested. Rotation and the integration of younger or less experienced players are likely, especially in areas affected by injuries and suspensions. For São Paulo, maintaining organization without Ferraresi and finding solutions up front in Dinenno’s absence will be priorities if they are to take an advantage into the second leg.

Crespo’s decisions in personnel and tactics will again be under the microscope as São Paulo pursue their ambitions in Brazil’s domestic cup competition.

(Sources: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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