Jesse Lingard forced to train alone at Corinthians after suffering two fractured ribs as former Man Utd midfielder undergoes 'intensive recovery'
Former Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard has been ordered to work away from his Corinthians team-mates over the coming days after sustaining rib injuries in Brazil. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder is currently undergoing close daily monitoring by club doctors as he battles to regain full fitness for their survival push.
Englishman suffers painful rib injury
Corinthians announced on Tuesday afternoon that their English playmaker sustained minor fractures to his sixth and seventh ribs. Despite the knock, the former England international was already ruled out of Friday night's Brasileirao home clash against Mirassol through suspension after collecting his third yellow card. Consequently, the veteran will maintain his conditioning away from the main group while receiving targeted treatment from the club's medical staff.
Club statement outlines recovery plan
Having arrived in Sao Paulo in early March on a deal running until December 2026 with the option of a further 12 months, Lingard has become a regular fixture in South America. Across the current campaign, he has registered one assist in 19 Brazilian Serie A appearances alongside one goal in eight Copa Libertadores outings and another strike across four Copa do Brasil games.
Detailing the injury setback on Tuesday, an official Corinthians statement read: "Forward Jesse Lingard suffered minor fractures to his sixth and seventh ribs. The player will train normally in the coming days, but separately. The number 77 has already begun intensive recovery treatment and the Corinthians Medical Department will reassess him daily to clear him to train with the group."
Treatment room crowded in Brazil
Lingard is the latest high-profile casualty at a crucial stage of the season for newly appointed head coach Clarence Seedorf, whose squad has been hit hard by fitness issues.
Former United team-mate Memphis Depay is currently sidelined with oedema in his right thigh, while midfielder Raniele is nursing a sprained right knee and former Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Paulista is out with a left leg adductor strain.
In addition to those muscular and joint problems, attacking duo Zakaria Labyad and Kayke remain unavailable as they continue their respective rehabilitations from knee surgery.
Relegation dogfight awaits returning playmaker
Sitting 18th in the standings on 33 points after 32 games, Seedorf's struggling side trail 16th-placed Internacional by two points in the battle to escape the drop zone. While his team-mates host Mirassol on Friday without him, Lingard will aim to return from injury and suspension for the crucial derby at Sao Paulo on November 4. A home meeting with Botafogo then follows in their final six-game survival run-in.
