Coach Gustavo Alfaro confirmed that defender Gustavo Gómez, from Palmeiras, will be preserved from the friendly against Mexico this Tuesday (18). The decision aims to protect the player for the Libertadores final, scheduled for November 29, against Flamengo. The same goes for defender Junior Alonso, from Atlético-MG, who is competing in the South American final.
The measure facilitates the defender’s immediate return to Brazil. Gómez will travel on a chartered flight contracted by Palmeiras shortly after the previous Data Fifa game. The objective is to allow him to face Vitória on Wednesday (19), in the Brasileirão, at Allianz Parque.
Alfaro highlighted the importance of the continental finals in relation to non-competitive games. The coach mentioned an understanding with the clubs involved, although Palmeiras denies a formal agreement.
Physical preservation motivates decision
Gustavo Gómez played the full 90 minutes in Paraguay’s 2-1 defeat to the United States, last Friday (14). The defender was still involved in an argument in the final minutes of the match.
The Paraguayan technical committee assesses that the accumulated wear and tear could compromise performance in the coming weeks. The Libertadores final requires maximum preparation from the starters.
Return logistics already defined
Palmeiras maintains the planning outlined since the beginning of the call. Gómez and striker Ramón Sosa, also Paraguayan, board the chartered flight together shortly after the concentration period.
Other athletes called up follow a similar scheme. Piquerez, Emiliano Martínez and Facundo Torres return with the Uruguayan team on the same plane. Vitor Roque comes from France on President Leila Pereira’s jet.
Statements from the Paraguayan coach
Gustavo Alfaro reinforced that decisions of this type consider the clubs’ tight calendar. The coach has already been through similar situations when managing South American teams.
He stated that continental finals have greater weight than Data Fifa friendlies. The measure avoids unnecessary risks of injury during a decisive period of the season.
Palmeiras official position
The alviverde escla clubhe realized that there was no formal negotiation with the Paraguayan Federation. The choice to save or select the athlete rests exclusively with the national team’s technical committee.
Palmeiras has been monitoring the situation of the squad since the beginning of the international window. The football department prioritizes a quick return to maintain the rhythm of competitions.
Intense calendar until decision
Gómez’s preservation increases the chances of a full squad in the direct confrontation for the continental title. The defender is a central part of the defense led by Abel Ferreira throughout the season.
Paraguay ends 2025 with a guaranteed place in the 2026 World Cup. The team occupies a comfortable position in the South American Qualifiers and used FIFA Data for tests and final adjustments.
