Tevez returns to Corinthians (22 Jan 2006 08:35 GMT)
Argentina international Carlos Tevez will return to Corinthians' starting lineup Sunday after missing two matches to get some rest.
The striker, who is still trying to get back in form after an extended offseason, is set to start against Portuguesa on Sunday in the fourth round of the traditional Sao Paulo state championship.
Tevez missed Corinthians' 5-1 win over Portuguesa Santista on Jan. 15 and the 2-1 victory over Juventus last Thursday. He played only in Corinthians' 1-0 opening loss to Noroeste on Jan. 11 in Bauru.
The striker made a surprise return to his home country hours after the loss to Noroeste, saying he would not play the next matches even if coach Antonio Lopes ordered him to.
Corinthians officially said Tevez traveled to take care of personal problems, and that the trip had been scheduled for some time. But many players and some club directors were caught by surprise.
Tevez had publicly said that he did not want to play in Corinthians' initial matches so he could get some rest and be ready for the World Cup in June.
Lopes later decided to alternate Corinthians' starters in the beginning of the season.
Tevez led Corinthians to its fourth Brazilian league title last year and was named the competition's best player.
Corinthians is third in the 20-team standings with six points from three matches. Rival Palmeiras, which faces Mogi Mirim on Sunday, leads the competition with nine points from three matches.
source : FOXSports