Coritiba 2-2 Internacional | Highlights | Round 15 | Brazilian Championship 2026
Coritiba has raised the alarm over their defensive line. Center-back Maicon has suffered a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh and will not return to action before the Série A break for the World Cup. The confirmation came after imaging exams revealed the severity of the issue.
The 2-2 draw against Internacional on Saturday saw coach Fernando Seabra already without Maicon, forcing him to move Bruno Melo back to central defense alongside Jacy, opening space for Felipe Jonatan at left-back. This was necessary because two other defenders—Thiago Santos and Tiago Cóser—were suspended for the match.
Beyond Saturday’s game, Maicon will also miss crucial clashes for Coxa against Santos (in the Copa do Brasil and Série A), Bahia, and Flamengo.
The first match after the World Cup will be against Palmeiras at Couto Pereira in July. The expectation is that by then, the 37-year-old player will be fully recovered and available.
Maicon, Coritiba defender — Photo: Jairton Conceição/RPC
Maicon’s absence is felt not only for his leadership but also for his consistency. The number 3 shirt is the most experienced defender in the squad during this Série A, having amassed 1,022 minutes on the pitch and featuring in 13 of the 15 rounds so far.
The injury comes in the same week he reached 50 appearances for Coritiba. What impresses the coaching staff most is his efficiency: in exactly half of those matches (25 games), Coritiba left the field without conceding a goal.