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RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 20-- The Corinthians medical staff said on Tuesday that striker Adriano will be ready to make his debut with the team on October 9. Adriano is expected to make his long-awaited first appearance with the team at home against Atletico-GO in the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. Corinthians' team doctor, Joaquim Grava, said that Adriano is fit to take part in full contact activities, adding that he should be ready to play in his first match on October 9. Grava added that the Adriano is under the full supervision of physical trainer Fabio Mahseredijan who is preparing the player for his much awaited return to soccer in Brazil. Adriano suffered an unfortunate separation of his Achilles tendon in his left foot, necessitating surgery on April 20, 2011. His expected return against Atletico-GO will mark five and a half months since the operation, falling well within the estimated time of recovery. On the same day of the announcement of his debut with Corinthians, Adriano was fined by the club from arriving two hours late to practice. The team's practice began at 16:00 on Tuesday, but the polemic striker arrived at 18:00. Barred from the practice, Adriano was also fined 10 percent of his monthly salary. The incident caused club president Andres Sanchez to become enraged and threaten to fire the player if his tardiness or absence becomes a habit. Adriano has personally claimed to be a team motivator despite his inability to play. He is looking forward to his return to the field and the possibility of helping his team to this year's Brazilian Championship title. Corinthians currently stands in third place with 43 points, trailing first place Vasco da Gama with 45 points and second place Sao Paulo with 44 points. | 
