Last year Abel picked a reserve team to debut in the Libertadores in La Paz. The situation was similar to today: the debut was between the first and second matches of the Paulistão final. Palmeiras had lost to Água Santa and would need to reverse a one-goal deficit in the second game, like that year.
In 2002 Abel opted for a mixed team for the first match of the international competition. This game was a different situation, right after the state title against São Paulo and three days before the Brasileirão debut. The similarity is the tightness of the calendar.
Those called up by Dorival Jr should rest. Endrick still feels pain in his right thigh and wants to be 100% recovered for the decisive game of the Paulistão final — there is a chance that the number 9 will not even travel with the squad to Argentina to preserve himself. Murilo ‘trained little in the national team’, according to Abel, and had problems with the time zone change.
Veiga is another mentioned by the coach. Disabled on the field in yesterday’s defeat, the player is suffering from a physical problem in the semi-final, as revealed by Abel.
Ríos is an option for Libertadores. The player was a substitute against Santos, had a good FIFA date with Colombia and could start against San Lorenzo.
Gustavo Gómez, recovered from injury, could also return to the starting lineup in the Libertadores. The Paraguayan defender was recovering from a fractured toe on his left foot, but began the physical transition at the beginning of the week and participated in Alviverde’s entire preparation for the first game of the final.
Tags: Abel save money Libertadores criticizes FPF
