28 Jul 2026
Paulinho starts for Palmeiras again after 441 days: why the club is monitoring his run
Paulinho returned to Palmeiras’ starting XI 441 days later. The club is now assessing how the forward responds physically before increasing his run of games.
Paulinho returns to the starting XI after 441 days
Paulinho started a match for Palmeiras again after 441 days away from the starting line-up. His return ends a long period without starting games and puts the forward back in contention for a place in the team.
What Paulinho’s return means for Palmeiras
Starting gives Paulinho the chance to regain match sharpness and reconnect with the team’s dynamics from the outset. For Palmeiras, his return adds to the attacking options, but it does not mean he will automatically enjoy a run of games.
Palmeiras will monitor his physical response
The key issue after 441 days is how Paulinho responds physically. Palmeiras will monitor the forward after his start, particularly his recovery between matches and his ability to cope with a run of games.
His run will depend on the next few days
Paulinho’s return to Palmeiras is a concrete step, but decisions over further starts will depend on the club’s internal assessment. If his physical response is positive, he could earn more minutes and regular playing time. If signs of fatigue emerge, Palmeiras are likely to manage his workload.
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