São Paulo turn to Tapia as crisis deepens ahead of Corinthians | OneFootball

São Paulo have called on new signing Gonzalo Tapia as they prepare to face Corinthians in the 15th round of the Brasileirão at MorumBIS, a necessity given ongoing problems with injuries, according to Arquibancada Tricolor.

Manager Hernán Crespo remains without Lucas Moura, sidelined after a recent ultrasound-guided injection for persistent pain. Luiz Gustavo, Ryan Francisco, and Calleri are also unavailable, all missing from the matchday squad for what is always a high-stakes Majestoso. Tapia, whose transfer paperwork was finalized on Friday, comes straight into contention—his immediate enlistment reflects São Paulo’s urgent need to reinforce a depleted attack.

The likely starting eleven features Rafael in goal, a back three of Ferraresi, Arboleda, and Alan Franco, and wing-backs Cédric and Enzo Diaz. The midfield is expected to see Bobadilla and Marcos Antônio partner behind Oscar, with Luciano, enjoying a productive run with eight goal involvements in his last 12 outings, lining up alongside André Silva up front. Tapia remains an option for rotation or as an impact substitute, depending on Crespo’s read on his match fitness.

Discipline is also an underlying concern for São Paulo. Several starters—Rafael, Alan Franco, Sabino, Arboleda, Ferraresi, Pablo Maia, Bobadilla, and Ferreira—are one yellow card away from suspension, a situation that could shape selection and playing style given the typically physical nature of this fixture.

The derby comes at a moment when São Paulo sit 16th, with just two wins from 14 matches—having drawn seven and lost five, conceding 18 while scoring 12. Corinthians, in ninth, are dealing with their own absences but return Romero, Memphis Depay, Ryan, and Gustavo Henrique for the occasion. On the opposite flank, manager Dorival Júnior is set to improvise with Félix Torres at right-back due to injuries.

Ticket demand is high, and a sellout crowd is expected at MorumBIS for a derby historically defined by narrow margins and fervent support. Luciano’s recent form and the potential debut of Tapia have focused attention on how São Paulo intend to address their recent scoring struggles. Crespo and his staff are mindful that another result without a win could see their side slip further down the table.

Referee Anderson Daronco has been appointed by the CBF, with Rafael da Silva Alves and Tiago Augusto Kappes Diel as assistants and Daniel Nobre Bins on VAR—a lineup familiar with the pressures of national derbies.

Amid fitness concerns and the need to balance discipline, São Paulo are counting on new arrivals and home advantage to break their run of draws and push for three crucial points.

(Sources: Arquibancada Tricolor)