The former Real Madrid striker wants to be in the best possible shape for the second leg of the Copa do Brasil final on July 1 and will be fit for the weekend, according to Corinthians doctor Bruno Mazziotti.

"His chances of playing are big. Besides next week he will rest as there are no games and he needs to stay in shape," said Mazziotti.

Sao Paulo are going through a tough spell, having been knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Cruzeiro.

"The elimination was painful, but we have to go on," said Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho. "We cannot despair. We have to work hard,"

League leaders Internacional travel to Flamengo and coach Tite will have to decide whether to rotate his squad, with their midweek clash with Ecuadorian side Universitaria - the reigning Copa Libertadores' champions - in the South American Recopa in mind.

Tite will certainly not be able to call on injured playmaker Andres D'Alessandro, while forward Nilmar and defender Kleber are both with the Brazil squad at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Fla midfielder Ibson believes, though, that Inter will not be treating the game lightly.

"I know Inter very well and I think they will put all they have into this match," he said.

Atletico Mineiro, who are joint top with 14 points, head to Sao Paulo to meet fifth-placed Santos.

And Mineiro coach Celso Roth has warned his side of the danger Santos pose on breakaways.

He said: "Vila Belmiro is a quick pitch. You cannot relax as an attack of yours can turn into a counter-attack which can destroy all your plans. Santos take advantage of that a lot."

Third-spotted Palmeiras visit Atletico Paranaense bidding to bounce back from their elimination from the Libertadores.

"The fans expect the players to be clever," said boss Wanderlei Luxemburgo. "We have to be clever.

"Everyone has to take his share of the blame and grow from this experience."

Vitoria coach Paulo Carpeginani wants more from his attackers when his side welcome Botafogo on Saturday.

Vitoria lie fourth, but Carpeginani is not entirely happy with their performances and may make changes this weekend.

He said: "We need to score more often as we waste a lot of chances. I am not afraid of putting a youngster into the line-up. We need to fix the problems in our attack."

Elsewhere, Santo Andre meet Sport, Nautico take on Coritiba, Avai host Fluminense, Gremio play Goias and Cruzeiro face Gremio Barueri.