Former Flamengo player is announced at Benfica and will bring millions to the red-black coffers

Flamengo and Cruzeiro will face each other this Thursday (2), at Maracanã, in a direct clash between the leaders and runners-up of the Brasileirão . And, for the first time in a while, Filipe Luís will have practically the entire squad available for the duel that is worth the top of the table.

DEFAULTS AND RETURNS

The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar. The midfielder is recovering from a broken foot and has already begun the physical reconditioning process , but is only expected to return after the FIFA International Day. Meanwhile, Ayrton Lucas returns after serving a suspension against Corinthians.

Matías Viña and Léo Pereira, who left the last match due to illness and a knock, respectively, have been released . Another new addition is Michael, who has recovered from ankle pain and is available again. The striker, however, has not played since the Club World Cup.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

With almost the entire squad at his disposal, the tendency is for Filipe Luís to send onto the field a Flamengo with: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira (Danilo) and Alex Sandro (Ayrton Lucas); Jorginho, Saúl Ñíguez and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Among the bench options, Filipe Luís has Jorge Carrascal, a standout against Corinthians , as well as Bruno Henrique, Luiz Araújo, and Everton Cebolinha for the attack. De La Cruz is also expected to start as a substitute.

IMPORTANCE OF THE GAME

With 54 points, Flamengo leads the Brasileirão . Cruzeiro is right behind with 50, but has already played one more game. With a win at Maracanã, the Red-Blacks could open up a seven-point lead at the top, even with the game postponed. Kick-off is at 8:30 PM (Brasília time).

Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship . The ball rolls at 8:30 pm (Brasília time). The duel will not be broadcast on open TV. SporTV will show the game on subscription TV, while Premiere will broadcast it on pay-per-view.

FLAMENGO HAS ONLY ONE SQUAD

Coach Filipe Luís will be without Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. Four players are also on suspension: Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Allan, and Arrascaeta . If they receive a yellow card, they will miss the 27th round against Bahia.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

Flamengo leads the Brasileirão with 54 points. Palmeiras is second with 52, and Cruzeiro is close behind in third with 50. The head-to-head matchup won't take away Flamengo's lead, but it could widen or narrow their lead at the top of the table, making it a true "six-point" match.

TICKETS SOLD OUT

Maracanã will be packed once again. Tickets for the match are already sold out, and the nation is preparing a huge celebration at the stadium. Ticket sales began on September 2nd, exclusively for Flamengo members , who received priority and special discounts. Later, on September 18th, tickets were opened to the general public.

THE RIVER CRUISE TABOO

Cruzeiro has not beaten Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro in the Brasileirão since 2010. The celestial hope is coach Léo Jardim , nicknamed the “taboo breaker” by the Minas Gerais fans, as he has led the breaking of ten historic records since his arrival.

Carlo Ancelotti was asked about calling up Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus to the Brazilian national team . The Italian coach highlighted the player's characteristics and compared his style to that of Flamengo striker Pedro .

Ancelotti compares Flamengo's Pedro to Igor Jesus: "The national team needs other attackers with this profile"

"Igor Jesus is a striker with a distinct personality. The national team, in an important competition like the World Cup, needs a center forward with this profile : strong in the box, good in the air, a fighter, and quality in duels. I saw his game against Betis and really liked it, that's why I called him up," said Ancelotti.

He then reinforced the importance of having players with this style: "I think the national team needs other attackers with this profile. It could be Kaio Jorge, Pedro from Flamengo ... because sometimes you control the game , cross a lot of balls, and you need a center forward," the Italian concluded.

WAS PEDRO SUMMONED?

Despite the mention, Ancelotti did not call up Pedro. For the national team's upcoming matches, the center forwards chosen were Igor Jesus, Matheus Cunha, and Richarlison. Pedro has not been called up to the Brazilian national team since August 2024, when he suffered a serious injury that sidelined him for seven months after rupturing a knee ligament .

FLAMENGO ON FIFA DATE

No Flamengo players have been called up for Brazil's matches against South Korea and Japan . Therefore, coach Filipe Luís will have a full squad during the FIFA International Day in October. Despite this, other South American teams have yet to announce their squads.

RUBRO-NEGRO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

With Pedro available, Flamengo is preparing to face Cruzeiro this Thursday (02), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship . Mengão is the leader of the Brasileirão with 54 points, four more than Raposa, who is in third place.