Palmeiras Hit With Another Injury Blow Despite Libertadores Win

Palmeiras suffered another injury setback as full-back Mayke was forced off just seven minutes after coming on in the 1–0 win against Sporting Cristal in the Copa Libertadores group stage opener. The right-back replaced Bruno Fuchs in the second half but exited with a thigh injury shortly after.

With veteran Marcos Rocha still sidelined, coach Abel Ferreira now finds himself short of natural options at right-back. Youngster Giay is the only fully fit alternative, and Mayke will undergo medical exams upon the team's return to Brazil, before starting recovery with the club’s medical team.

Mayke joins a growing list of injured players that includes Raphael Veiga (back), Aníbal Moreno (shoulder), Marcos Rocha (thigh), Paulinho (leg surgery), Maurício (fitness recovery), and Bruno Rodrigues (knee surgery).

Despite the injuries, Palmeiras managed to secure a dramatic win with a stoppage-time goal from Richard Ríos, leveling them with Cerro Porteño atop Group G. Abel Ferreira made tactical changes for the match, fielding a back three with Fuchs on the flank and pushing Piquerez higher up the pitch. The adjustments paid off, as substitute Luighi provided the assist for the winning goal, capping off a vital night for the Brazilian champions.