The classic clash between São Paulo and Palmeiras saw some surprising omissions from the starting lineup! Fans were left wondering: why were key players Lucas and Oscar on the bench?
Lucas's Injury Woes
Lucas recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to remove fibrosis causing persistent pain. This followed a partial ligament injury and a sprain in March. While he's made appearances against LDU and Ceará since returning on September 25th, manager Hernán Crespo opted to rest him for this crucial match, keeping him in São Paulo for specialized training.
Oscar's Recovery Journey
Oscar, on the other hand, returned to the squad after 75 days against Fortaleza, but didn't feature in that game. He suffered a fracture in three lumbar vertebrae during a clash against Corinthians in July. Fortunately, surgery wasn't required, allowing for a quicker comeback. However, Crespo decided against risking him in the intense derby.
Confirmed Lineups
Here's how the teams lined up:
- São Paulo: Rafael; Alan Franco, Arboleda e Sabino; Cedric, Marcos Antônio, Bobadilla, Pablo Maia e Enzo Díaz; Luciano e Tapia. Coach: Hernán Crespo.
- Palmeiras: Weverton; Giay, Gomez, Murilo e Piquerez; Aníbal, Andreas Pereira, Veiga e Felipe Anderson; Flaco Lopez e Vitor Roque. Coach: Abel Ferreira.
Crespo's decision to bench Lucas and Oscar highlights the importance of managing player fitness and avoiding further injuries, especially in a long and demanding season. Will their absence impact São Paulo's performance against their rivals? Only time will tell! This match is sure to be a thriller!
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