Dorival Jr. Explains Endrick's Absence vs. Chile: A Tactical Decision or Injury Concerns?
Palmeiras fans were left wondering why young star Endrick wasn't in the starting lineup for their Copa Libertadores clash against Chilean side Universidad Católica. After all, the 16-year-old sensation has been a key player for Verdão, scoring crucial goals and showing immense potential.
Dorival Jr., Palmeiras' manager, addressed the situation during the post-match press conference. While he didn't explicitly confirm an injury, he did hint at potential fatigue and a tactical decision behind Endrick's absence. He explained that Endrick had been playing a lot of games recently, both for Palmeiras and the Brazilian youth national team, and that the team needed to manage his minutes carefully to prevent burnout.
"We have to be careful with Endrick's workload," Dorival Jr. stated. "He's a young player with a lot of potential, and we want him to continue developing. We felt that he needed a rest, and the game against Católica was a good opportunity to give him that."
Despite Endrick's absence, Palmeiras managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Universidad Católica. This victory solidified their position at the top of Group A, keeping them on track for a successful Copa Libertadores campaign. However, the question remains: will Endrick be ready to return for Palmeiras' next crucial game?
While the manager emphasized the importance of managing Endrick's minutes, some fans remain concerned. There are whispers of a potential injury that might be keeping the young star sidelined. The truth may only be revealed with time, but one thing is certain: Palmeiras will be relying heavily on Endrick's talent as they chase Copa Libertadores glory. Only time will tell if this was simply a tactical decision or a sign of deeper concerns.