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Flamengo continues its preparation for the decisive duel this Wednesday (6) against Atlético-MG, for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. For the clash at Arena MRV, coach Filipe Luís will not be able to count on Nicolás De La Cruz , who is still recovering from a knee problem. Off the field, the player's future has become a topic again after a statement from his brother, Carlos Sánchez, who indicated a possible return to River Plate .

Carlos Sánchez: "I believe Nico De La Cruz will return to River"

In an interview with the Argentine program Guardia Alta, Carlos was direct: " I believe that Nico De La Cruz will return to River ", said the former player, fueling rumors about a possible departure of the Uruguayan from Flamengo at the end of the season.

The statement comes amid a delicate moment for the midfielder at the Rio de Janeiro club. De La Cruz felt exposed after public comments by former doctor José Luis Runco, which caused discomfort behind the scenes at Flamengo .

A REMARKABLE PASSAGE ON THE RIVER

A River Plate idol, De La Cruz played for the Argentine club between 2017 and 2023, before moving to Flamengo . He made 212 appearances, starting 169 of them, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists —a total of 70 direct goal contributions and 14,815 minutes on the pitch. His performance and recognition left him deeply missed at the Monumental de Núñez.

PHYSICAL SITUATION AT FLAMENGO

After weeks away due to inflammation in his left knee and personal issues, De La Cruz returned to training on the field last Monday (4) . Despite the progress, the number 18 still carries out activities separately from the rest of the squad and was not selected for the match in Belo Horizonte.

Flamengo's coaching staff is cautious in gradually reintegrating the Uruguayan, aiming to avoid further injuries. In the first half of the year, De La Cruz managed to string together an eight-match streak , but since then, he has struggled to regain his rhythm.

After the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Flamengo arrives in Belo Horizonte determined to seek qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil . The decisive match against Atlético-MG takes place this Wednesday (6), at 7 pm, at Arena MRV, and everything indicates that Filipe Luís will select the best he has available .

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

Rossi; Varela (Royal), Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Jorginho, Allan and Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

In the first leg, Arrascaeta was even left off the bench, and Bruno Henrique and Jorginho were rested, but didn't even see action. Now, with the need to win by two goals, the coach is expected to count on the Uruguayan in the starting lineup. After tests revealed no injury from the pain he felt against Ceará, the number 10 has been cleared. Suspended in the Brasileirão, the number 21 is also expected to start .

ATTACK: FRONT LINE MAINTAINED

The attacking trio should consist of Pedro, Plata, and Samuel Lino , who played the full 90 minutes against Ceará. Filipe Luís admitted that the minutes may not have been ideal, but Flamengo 's offensive absences make reinforcements crucial for the decisive match.

MIDFIELD AND FULL BACKS WITH DOUBTS

In midfield, Allan is expected to replace Evertton Araújo, pairing with Jorginho and Arrascaeta. On the wings, Varela and Emerson Royal will compete on the right, while Ayrton Lucas starts up front on the left. Alex Sandro is still looking for rhythm, and Matías Viña, with a history of knee injuries, is likely to be rested due to the artificial turf at Arena MRV .

ATLÉTICO-MG MAY HAVE THE RETURN OF ARANA

On the other side, coach Cuca is counting on the possible return of Guilherme Arana, which could change the formation used in the first leg, when Saravia played at center-back . If Arana plays, Atlético should return to a back four. Even so, the full-back's starting position has not yet been confirmed.

Striker Mehdi Taremi is not expected to remain at Inter Milan , despite being in Christian Chivu's plans. However, the 33-year-old Iranian has been hindering the negotiation process by rejecting offers from Brazilian football. According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Taremi ruled out the possibility of playing for Flamengo and Botafogo , making it clear to the Nerazzurri board that he intends to remain in Europe.

Despite the player's firm stance, the atmosphere at the club remains calm. Inter understands the striker's desire to continue playing in Europe. So far, however, the only concrete offers have come from Brazil , and none have pleased the number 99. Besiktas, from Turkey, is monitoring the situation and may formalize a loan request.

BELOW-EXPECT PERFORMANCE IN 2024/25

Taremi played in 52 matches in the 2024/25 season, scoring eight goals and contributing 11 assists — numbers that add up to 19 direct goal involvements, also considering games for the Iranian national team in the World Cup qualifiers.

For Inter, the striker scored one goal in the Champions League, one in Serie A, and one in the Italian Super Cup. Despite his lackluster performance, Taremi's name appeals to Flamengo 's board, who value his international experience and technical ability , especially as an alternative to Lucas Beltrán.

FLAMENGO'S INTEREST STILL WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL PROPOSAL

Flamengo has yet to formalize a bid for Mehdi Taremi, but interest is real and has gained momentum with the stalled negotiations with Fiorentina's Beltrán . Flamengo's board is considering accelerating negotiations in the coming days, as the transfer window approaches its final stretch and the club seeks reinforcements to maintain its high level this season.