After missing out on four consecutive matches, including the Copa do Brasil elimination, Palmeiras' star forward Estêvão is set to make a much-anticipated return to action in the Copa Libertadores encounter against Botafogo.
The 17-year-old Brazilian forward suffered an ankle sprain, which kept him sidelined since the showdown against Vitória. Estêvão's rehabilitation program has now paid off, and he has joined the team's travel to Rio de Janeiro, making him available for selection by head coach Abel Ferreira.
In his first professional season, Estêvão has already accumulated seven goals, trailing only Flaco López (16), Raphael Veiga (11), and Rony (9). Additionally, he has contributed five assists, putting him among the top assist providers in the team, tied with Veiga and Mayke.
Ahead of the crucial match, Abel Ferreira has several other returnees and absentees to consider, including full-back Felipe Anderson, who has recovered from an eye trauma, and midfielder Zé Rafael, who has been on an individual program. Unfortunately, attacking midfielder Dudu will miss out due to muscular issues, while Mayke is struggling with a right ankle injury. Defender Richard Ríos, meanwhile, has been suspended and won't feature in the match.
The zero-card count in the knockout phase of the Libertadores means that players who accumulated yellow or red cards during the group stage will serve their suspensions in the oitavas de final.
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