Palmeiras' Jhon Arias out with hamstring strain ahead of Mirassol clash
Synopsis
Palmeiras face a double injury scare ahead of their Serie A trip to Mirassol, with Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias confirmed out with a right thigh strain and defender Joaquin Piquerez in doubt. The table-toppers hold a six-point lead over Flamengo — but their squad depth is now under the spotlight.
Key Takeaways
Jhon Arias has been ruled out of Palmeiras' Serie A clash with Mirassol after sustaining a right thigh injury during the Copa do Brasil win over Santos on Wednesday .
Defender Joaquin Piquerez is also a doubt for Sunday's fixture due to swelling in his right thigh.
Captain Gustavo Gomez has been cleared of injury after being substituted at halftime against Santos with muscle soreness.
Palmeiras lead the Brazilian Serie A with 51 points , six ahead of second-placed Flamengo , which has a game in hand.
Striker Jose Manuel Lopez scored twice in Palmeiras' recent 4-1 win over Vasco da Gama , who sit 19th with 22 points .
Colombian midfielder Jhon Arias has been ruled out of Palmeiras' Brazilian Serie A fixture against Mirassol after sustaining a right thigh injury, the club confirmed on Thursday night. The setback is a significant blow for the Serie A table-toppers, who currently lead the standings by six points.
How the Injury Happened
Arias picked up the hamstring strain during Palmeiras' commanding 3-0 home victory over Santos in the Copa do Brasil on Wednesday. Medical examinations carried out the following day confirmed the extent of the damage. 'Medical examinations performed on Thursday confirmed that Jhon Arias sustained a right thigh injury,' read a statement on the club's official website.
Piquerez Also in Doubt
Uruguayan defender Joaquin Piquerez is also uncertain for Palmeiras' visit to Mirassol on Sunday, with the club reporting swelling in his right thigh. The potential absence of two key players adds a layer of concern ahead of a crucial away fixture for the league leaders.
On a more positive note, captain Gustavo Gomez has been cleared of injury. The Paraguayan centre-back was substituted at halftime of the Santos match due to muscle soreness but has since been given the all-clear by the medical staff.
Palmeiras' Dominant Serie A Run
Palmeiras sit atop the Brazilian Serie A with 51 points, six clear of second-placed Flamengo, which holds a game in hand. Their recent form has been imperious — in the previous round, Argentina international striker Jose Manuel Lopez scored twice in a 4-1 home rout of Vasco da Gama.
Lopez opened the scoring in the 47th minute, before Vitor Roque converted a penalty and Mauricio added a third just past the hour. Lopez struck again a minute from time, with Facundo Colidio netting a stoppage-time consolation for the visitors. Vasco remain mired in the relegation zone in 19th place with just 22 points.
Other Serie A Results
Elsewhere in that round, Coritiba beat Corinthians 2-1 at home, Mirassol drew 1-1 at Santos, Chapecoense won 1-0 at home to Sao Paulo, Bragantino secured a 1-0 home win over Gremio, and Bahia prevailed 2-0 at Vitoria. The title race remains firmly in Palmeiras' hands, but the injury list will test the squad's depth in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
But losing Arias — one of their most dynamic midfield carriers — to a thigh strain is a reminder that their grip on the Serie A summit is not unconditional. With Piquerez also doubtful and Flamengo lurking six points behind with a game in hand, the margin for rotation errors is thinning. The real question is whether coach Abel Ferreira has the personnel to maintain intensity in a congested fixture list without his Colombian engine.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jhon Arias missing the Palmeiras vs Mirassol match?
Jhon Arias sustained a right thigh injury during Palmeiras' 3-0 Copa do Brasil win over Santos on Wednesday. Medical examinations confirmed the strain on Thursday, ruling him out of the Serie A fixture against Mirassol on Sunday.
Is Joaquin Piquerez fit to play against Mirassol?
Piquerez is listed as a doubt for the Mirassol clash due to swelling in his right thigh. A final fitness call is expected closer to the Sunday fixture.
Where do Palmeiras stand in the Brazilian Serie A?
Palmeiras lead the Brazilian Serie A with 51 points, six clear of second-placed Flamengo, which has a game in hand. The team has been in dominant form, including a recent 4-1 win over Vasco da Gama.
Who is Gustavo Gomez and is he fit?
Gustavo Gomez is Palmeiras' captain and a key centre-back. He was substituted at halftime against Santos with muscle soreness but has since been cleared of injury by the club's medical team.
Who scored in Palmeiras' 4-1 win over Vasco da Gama?
Argentina international striker Jose Manuel Lopez scored twice — in the 47th minute and a minute from time. Vitor Roque added a penalty, Mauricio scored a third, and Facundo Colidio netted a late consolation for Vasco.
