Prefiro esperar a situação do Memphis
No coração de uma temporada marcada pela irregularidade, o Corinthians segue administrando ausências e incertezas enquanto tenta escalar a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro. A dúvida sobre Memphis Depay, ainda em transição após um edema na coxa direita, simboliza a fragilidade que acompanha o clube neste momento — um técnico que prefere a prudência à promessa, e um elenco que precisa encontrar equilíbrio entre o retorno dos que se recuperam e a ausência dos que ainda não podem jogar.
- Memphis Depay só iniciou o trabalho de transição em campo na terça-feira anterior, deixando sua presença contra o Mirassol genuinamente em aberto.
- O empate por 1-1 com o Internacional manteve o Corinthians no 13º lugar, reflexo de uma campanha com mais tropeços do que vitórias.
- Dorival Júnior surpreendeu ao escalar Cacá no lugar de João Pedro Tchoca, justificando a troca pelo desgaste físico acumulado pelo titular.
- Yuri Alberto retorna após suspensão e oferece ao técnico ao menos uma certeza em meio a tantas variáveis.
- Rodrigo Garro e André Carrillo seguem no departamento médico sem prazo definido, enquanto André Ramalho e Charles são monitorados como possíveis reforços.
O Corinthians empatou em 1-1 com o Internacional na Beira-Rio pela 26ª rodada do Brasileirão, resultado que deixou o time na 13ª colocação com 30 pontos. Após a partida, o técnico Dorival Júnior foi questionado sobre Memphis Depay, mas preferiu não fazer promessas: o holandês, em recuperação de um edema na coxa direita, havia iniciado a transição em campo apenas na terça-feira anterior, e sua presença diante do Mirassol permanece incerta.
O que Dorival pôde confirmar foi o retorno de Yuri Alberto, que cumpriu suspensão. Na defesa, a entrada de Cacá no lugar de João Pedro Tchoca gerou surpresa, mas o treinador explicou que Tchoca acumulara um desgaste fora do comum. O próprio Cacá havia se saído bem na derrota por 2-1 para o Flamengo, e o técnico demonstrou confiança na rotatividade entre os dois zagueiros.
Além de Memphis, André Ramalho e Charles são acompanhados de perto e podem estar disponíveis para o próximo jogo caso evoluam bem. Já Rodrigo Garro e André Carrillo seguem sem previsão de retorno. Com sete vitórias, nove empates e dez derrotas em 25 partidas, o Corinthians enfrenta o Mirassol precisando equilibrar a gestão do elenco com a busca por consistência numa temporada ainda em aberto.
Corinthians drew 1-1 with Internacional on Wednesday at the Beira-Rio stadium in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship, a result that left the team in 13th place with 30 points. After the match, coach Dorival Júnior faced questions about whether Memphis Depay would be available for the upcoming fixture against Mirassol, but he offered no certainty either way.
Depay is working his way back from swelling in his right thigh. The Dutch forward only began his transition phase on the field the previous Tuesday, meaning his readiness for the next contest remains genuinely unclear. Dorival said he preferred to wait and see how the situation developed rather than commit to a timeline. What he could confirm was the return of striker Yuri Alberto, who had been suspended and would definitely be in contention.
The coach's caution extended to his lineup decisions. He replaced center-back João Pedro Tchoca with Cacá, a choice that surprised some observers. Dorival explained that Tchoca had accumulated unusual fatigue and would have struggled in Wednesday's match. Cacá, he noted, had performed well in the previous game against Flamengo despite the 2-1 loss, and the coach expressed confidence in both defenders as they rotated through the squad.
Beyond Memphis, Dorival was watching two other potential returns. André Ramalho, the center-back, was recovering from a thigh strain, and midfielder Charles was dealing with right knee pain. Both could be options for Mirassol if their recoveries progressed. Meanwhile, midfielders Rodrigo Garro and André Carrillo remained under medical care with no clear timeline for their return.
The draw itself represented a small step forward in the table. Corinthians moved up one position to 13th place, having collected seven wins, nine draws, and ten losses across 25 matches. The team's form had been inconsistent, and Dorival seemed intent on managing his resources carefully as the season continued. The next match against Mirassol would test whether the squad could maintain momentum while navigating the injury situation.
Notable Quotes
I prefer to wait on Memphis's situation. Yuri will definitely be available—he was suspended. I'm hoping for a recovered team for an important match.— Dorival Júnior, Corinthians coach
Tchoca's fatigue was above normal. We knew he'd have difficulty today. I trust Cacá—he played well and conducted himself properly.— Dorival Júnior, on the defensive lineup change
The Hearth Conversation Another angle on the story
Why is Dorival being so cautious about Memphis when the team clearly needs attacking options?
Because Memphis isn't just recovering—he's only just started field work. Swelling in the thigh isn't something you rush back from. Dorival has learned the hard way that pushing a player too early costs you more games than sitting him out one.
But Yuri Alberto is back. Doesn't that solve the striker problem?
It helps, but Memphis is different. He's a winger who can create and finish. Yuri is the center forward. They're not interchangeable. The team needs both healthy to really function.
What about Tchoca being benched—was that a real fitness issue or just rotation?
It was real. Dorival said the fatigue was abnormal. In a tight season where you're fighting to climb the table, you can't afford to run someone into the ground. Cacá had earned the trust anyway.
So Corinthians is essentially waiting for bodies to come back?
Yes, but not passively. They're managing the load, making smart substitutions, and trying to stay in the fight while the medical team does its work. It's the reality of a long season.
Does the draw with Internacional feel like progress or a missed opportunity?
Both. They moved up a spot, but 13th place in the Brazilian Championship means you're still fighting to get into contention. Every point matters, but they needed a win more than they needed a draw.