De la Cruz could miss Flamengo for weeks - check

This Tuesday (22), Uruguayan midfielder Nico De la Cruz underwent tests at Ninho do Urubu, which confirmed an injury to the posterior muscle of the right thigh. The diagnosis came after the player felt pain in his thigh during last Sunday's semi-final. The injury was considered serious and should sideline him for at least a month, causing De la Cruz to miss the two decisive matches of the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG, scheduled for the 3rd and 10th of November.< /p>

De la Cruz's muscle problem occurred eight minutes into the second half of the semi-final, when the Flamengo athlete had to be replaced by Carlos Alcaraz after feeling uncomfortable. The midfielder, who arrived in Rio de Janeiro with a limp, was evaluated during the squad's re-presentation at the club's Training Center, after the team received a day off on Monday, the 21st, in celebration of their classification. The test results confirmed the worrying situation, repeating a recent injury in the same region that left him out of games for three weeks.

FLAMENGO HAS A CRISIS CONTROL MODEL

The situation creates a dilemma for the Flamengo coach, who loses one of his main players at a crucial moment of the season. De la Cruz had been a fundamental piece in the tactical scheme, and his absence opens an important gap for the team that is about to compete in the finals of one of the most important tournaments on the national calendar. Furthermore, the player's recent history of injuries raises concerns among the coaching staff regarding his long-term physical condition.

DELACRUZ'S INJURIES SCARE 

Nico De la Cruz's frequent injuries are a point of attention at Flamengo. The Uruguayan had already been monitored by the club's medical department due to a similar problem with his hamstring. On the previous occasion, he also had to be removed from activities for a period of three weeks. This time, the estimated time for recovery is at least one month, which makes it impossible for him to participate in the finals against Atlético-MG.

The midfielder's physical condition had already raised doubts recently, when he was spared from the classic against Fluminense. On that occasion, De la Cruz had returned to Flamengo after playing 45 minutes for the Uruguayan national team during the FIFA Date. The decision to spare him was intended to avoid complications, but now the problem has worsened, confirming the seriousness of the current situation.