# Palmeiras Faces Roster Crisis During International Break Before Cruzeiro Match Six key players are absent due to international duty, complicating the club's title race. - **Source:** [GE Globo – Futebol](https://ge.globo.com/futebol) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/077687c6-8e5f-4fc3-9cd2-1ed33f21816a ## International Duty Disruptions Palmeiras has resumed training at the Academia de Futebol following a two-day break. The squad is currently missing six players called up by their respective national teams for the November Data Fifa period. These absences create significant tactical challenges for coach Abel Ferreira as the team prepares for the upcoming match against Cruzeiro. ## Players Called Up The list of absent players includes Piquerez for Uruguay, Gustavo Gómez and Mauricio for Paraguay, Arias for Colombia, and both Giay and Flaco López for Argentina. These call-ups span multiple South American nations, forcing the coaching staff to adjust their training sessions significantly while awaiting the return of these essential squad members. ## Negotiation for Early Release The club contacted all relevant football federations to request early release for their players, as several international matches occur on November 17, the day before the Cruzeiro game. Only the Uruguayan federation has signaled a potential early release for Piquerez, while Argentina and other nations remain firm on keeping their players until the end. ## Logistical Hurdles for Paraguay The situation for Paraguayan players Gustavo Gómez and Mauricio is particularly difficult due to the travel distance. Their national team is scheduled to play matches in Singapore and Japan on November 13 and 17. Given the transcontinental travel required, it is highly unlikely they will return to Brazil in time for the match. ## Internal Club Uncertainty Vice-president Paulo Buosi expressed uncertainty regarding the available lineup for the Cruzeiro match. During the Paulistão draw, he noted that the club does not yet know which players will be available for selection. This lack of clarity forces the technical staff to prepare multiple tactical variations to maintain their competitive edge. ## Injury Recovery Efforts Beyond the international absences, Abel Ferreira is focusing on recovering injured players. Paulinho is currently undergoing treatment for a right calf trauma at the club's facilities. Meanwhile, other key starters like Barboza, Murilo, Marlon Freitas, and Andreas Pereira are being managed carefully to ensure they remain fit for the intense final season stretch. ## Crucial Season Finale Palmeiras faces a demanding schedule with six guaranteed matches remaining. These include the final four rounds of the Campeonato Brasileiro, where they are fighting for the title against Flamengo, plus the finals of the Conmebol Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. Every point in the upcoming Cruzeiro match is vital for their championship aspirations. ## Future Tournament Commitments The season concludes with high-stakes finals, including the Libertadores against Estudiantes on November 28 and the Copa do Brasil against Grêmio on December 6. If successful in the Libertadores, the club will also face Toluca in the Copa Intercontinental on December 9, extending their competitive calendar into the final month of the year. ## Sources covering this story - https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/palmeiras/noticia/2026/11/11/palmeiras-inicia-trabalhos-na-data-fifa-e-vive-cenario-dificil-para-ter-convocados-contra-o-cruzeiro.ghtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._