Corinthians traveled to Paraná on Sunday to face Cascavel in a friendly, leaving defender Gustavo Henrique behind at the training center. The squad held a tactical session in São Paulo on Saturday morning and arrived at Municipal Arnaldo Busato stadium at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) without the defender, who remains in treatment for flexor‑hip pain.

Why didn’t Gustavo Henrique travel?

Gustavo Henrique appeared in the training session but was not listed for the match. The club did not release details about his workload, only confirming that the injury prevents him from playing. His absence weakens the back line, especially as Corinthians also has João Pedro Tchoca sidelined after an inguinal hernia operation, according to the official statement.

Who else is missing?

Besides Gustavo Henrique, the squad is without João Pedro Tchoca, Vitinho, Hugo (left‑back) and Kayke. Vitinho and Hugo are still in physical transition, while Kayke is recovering from left‑knee surgery. Forward Memphis Depay, who is negotiating a new contract, has not been given a return date to the Joaquim Grava training center.

Which lineup is expected against Cascavel?

A likely eleven includes Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gabriel Paulista and Matheus Bidu; Raniele, André, Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro; Kaio César and Yuri Alberto. The full travel roster also lists Kauê, Felipe Longo, Fabrizio Angileri, Pedro Milans, Yago Melo, Allan, Carrillo, Jesse Lingard, Zakaria Labyad, Alex Santana, Charles, Matheus Pereira, Gui Negão, Pedro Raul and Dieguinho.

How did Saturday’s training go?

The session started with a tactical video, followed by gym activation and a grass warm‑up. Afterward, the group worked on ball possession and a ten‑vs‑ten drill, finishing with set‑piece routines. Left‑back Matheus Bidu said the friendly will be important to give rhythm to the squad, even if it is only a preparatory match.

Corinthians sits 10th in Serie A with 24 points (6 wins, 6 draws, 6 losses) after 18 games. The team has scored 18 goals and conceded 19, trailing league leaders Palmeiras by 17 points. The next official fixture is against Remo on July 23 at 7:30 p.m., the 19th round. The upcoming league match will be versus Chapecoense‑SC at home on September 6, when the Timão will be 20th.

The trip to Paraná serves as a stamina test and a chance to assess the squad before the Serie A run‑in. Even without Gustavo Henrique, manager Fernando Diniz has options to shape the defense and keep the team competitive.