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Amid the call-ups for the FIFA Date, coach Marcelo Bielsa surprised by leaving Nicolás de la Cruz out of Uruguay's list for the last two games of the Qualifiers . In a press conference this Friday (29), the coach detailed the reasons for not calling the Flamengo midfielder .

Bielsa on Flamengo's De La Cruz: "It's not appropriate to force him to play"

"De La Cruz's process is as follows: even though he's a reserve, he won't be called up. We understand he's healthy, but we believe it's best for him to get back to playing consistently at the club first . It's not appropriate to force him to play for the national team without first being fully reintegrated into competitive football," Bielsa stated.

The coach also highlighted the importance of the player, but reinforced that the preparation time between arrival and the game would be insufficient to use him at a high level, ensuring that it is necessary for the midfielder to return to his best competitive form at the club, before returning to the national team list.

THE CONTEXT OF THE CLINICAL SITUATION

De La Cruz's absence comes amid a recent episode. Last month, Flamengo 's then-doctor, José Luiz Runco, stated in a messaging group that the midfielder had a chronic and irreversible knee injury. The statement resonated nationwide, generating internal unease. The club fired the professional and intensified its support for the athlete.

DE LA CRUZ RETURNED TO PLAY FOR FLAMENGO

Recovered, the Uruguayan returned to wear the red-black shirt in the historic 8-0 victory over Vitória, last Monday (25). De La Cruz came on in the second half, played for 20 minutes, completed 95% of his passes and had 100% success in his throws.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

With the midfielder available again, Flamengo faces Grêmio this Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast by Rede Globo (on open channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view).

Samuel Lino's good performance with the Flamengo shirt has already borne fruit. This Saturday (31), the striker was called up by Carlo Ancelotti to defend the Brazilian National Team in the last two rounds of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Brazil faces Chile, next Thursday (5), at Maracanã, and Bolivia, on the 9th, away from home.

Lino's call-up comes amid forced changes to the squad. Matheus Cunha left the field in Manchester United's last match after experiencing pain in his left thigh. This was the fourth cut made by Ancelotti on this FIFA World Cup.

Before him, Flamengo full-back Alex Sandro, Newcastle midfielder Joelinton, and Monaco right-back Vanderson had already been dropped. Bahia's Jean Lucas and Botafogo's Vitinho were called up to replenish the squad. However, no replacements were called up to replace Alex Sandro.

SAMUEL LINO'S NUMBERS

Signed from Atlético de Madrid , Lino quickly earned a place in the starting lineup. In just eight matches for Atlético, he has already racked up two goals and four assists, as well as a significant offensive presence. His consistency and speed have caught the attention of not only the fans but also the national team's coaching staff.

SELECTION PREPARATION

The athletes will begin training this Sunday (1st). From Monday (2), with a full squad, they will begin work at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis (RJ). After the match against Chile, the team will return to training there until boarding for Santa Cruz de la Sierra, in Bolivia.

Grêmio will be Flamengo's next opponent in the Brasileirão and raced against time to register midfielder Arthur in the CBF's Daily Information Bulletin (BID) . The registration was completed this Friday (29), releasing the player to play. However, coach Mano Menezes decided not to include him for the duel at Maracanã, this Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), due to physical conditioning.

Officially presented one day after the announcement of the hiring, Arthur has already participated in activities with the cast, but will follow a specific preparation schedule before debuting , despite being released with his documentation with the entity.

GRÊMIO REINFORCEMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

In addition to Arthur, Grêmio has strengthened its squad with Marcos Rocha, Carlos Vinícius, Balbuena, and Erick Noriega . All of them have already been named in the BID and could be used by Mano Menezes against Flamengo , who are expected to make no further signings in the current transfer window.

HOW FLAMENGO ARRIVES FOR THE CONFRONTATION

Coach Filipe Luís concluded Flamengo 's preparation for the match this Saturday (30). The squad is practically complete, with only two absences : Alex Sandro, recovering from a calf injury, and Erick Pulgar, who is recovering from surgery on his right foot.

WHERE TO WATCH FLAMENGO X GRÊMIO

The duel between Flamengo and Grêmio takes place this Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast by Rede Globo (on open channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view).