Crespo faces left-back dilemma for São Paulo against Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Cruzeiro and São Paulo face off this Saturday at 9 PM (Brasília time) at Mineirão, for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. The Tricolor, currently in good form in the competition, will have an extra challenge: finding a solution for the left-back position, a sector that has become a headache for coach Hernán Crespo.

The starter Enzo Díaz is suspended after receiving his third yellow card against Atlético-MG last Sunday. The most natural option would be Wendell, but the full-back is recovering from a left thigh injury suffered at the beginning of the month and is still doubtful for the match.

The situation is complicated because Crespo plays with a three-defender system, and Arboleda, a key player in the defensive sector, is also out due to an injury to the rectus femoris muscle of the left thigh.

Thus, Sabino, who could occupy the left-back position, is expected to be used in defense alongside Alan Franco and Ferraresi. With this, the Argentine coach is considering two alternatives: using the young Patryck, only 22 years old, in a crucial match like this, keeping Sabino in defense, or bringing forward the debut of Rafael Tolói, recently signed from Atalanta.

The defender is still working on improving his physical condition, as he hasn't played since May, but he might gain some minutes and create space for Sabino to play on the left.

Tricolor's Good Form

Despite the absences, São Paulo arrives in high spirits. The team is unbeaten in eight games in the Brasileirão, with six wins and two draws. Last Sunday, the Tricolor defeated Atlético-MG 2-0 at Morumbi, a result that solidified their 7th place, now with 32 points.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.