Flamengo leaves the US and prepares to return to the national calendar

Cruzeiro will have an important addition to their squad for their match against Flamengo in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. Suspended against Vasco, defender Lucas Villalba returns to the starting lineup and resumes his defensive position, replacing Jonathan Jesus. Villalba is considered a key player by coach Leonardo Jardim and is expected to be the only confirmed returnee for the match at Maracanã.

In addition to Villalba, Cruzeiro will again have Gabigol available, who served a suspension, and Luis Sinisterra, who has recovered from a right thigh muscle injury. Both were included in the squad, but they are expected to start the match as reserves.

The Minas Gerais team will still be without full-back Fagner, who is undergoing a physical transition after a fractured fibula, and Murilo Rhikman, Bruno Alves and Otávio, who are playing for the Brazilian Under-20 team.

PROBABLE LINEUP

Cruzeiro 's likely lineup for the match is: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian and Matheus Pereira; Wanderson and Kaio Jorge . Coach: Leonardo Jardim.

FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO

The duel at Maracanã pits the top two teams in the Brasileirão against each other . Flamengo leads the competition with 54 points, while Cruzeiro is close behind with 50. A victory for the Minas Gerais team could narrow the gap in the standings and further intensify the title race.

Flamengo comes into the match on a high after a comeback victory over Corinthians in São Paulo. With 54 points, the Red-Blacks are looking to widen their gap over Cruzeiro , who sits in second place with 50.

Coach Filipe Luís, who completed a year in charge of the team, will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar. The Chilean midfielder, recovering from foot surgery , is still recovering physically. Michael is still doubtful.

Jorginho and Pedro, who were substitutes in the last game, are expected to return to the starting lineup . Varela, Alex Sandro, and Gonzalo Plata are also expected to start, giving Flamengo a more attacking lineup.

FLAMENGO ENDS PREPARATION

The red-and-black squad held their final training session this Wednesday (1st), at 3:30 pm, at Ninho do Urubu. It was the last opportunity for Filipe Luís to confirm the team that will take to the field at Maracanã in front of more than 70 thousand fans. The probable lineup includes Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

TECHNICAL SHEET

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere

Flamengo agreed to sell young attacking midfielder Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli for 8 million euros (around R$50 million). The amount was to be paid upfront, but ended up being split into three annual installments between 2025 and 2027. According to information released by journalist Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, the first installment, scheduled to be paid by last Monday (30), was not deposited.

With the Arab team's delay, Flamengo is considering taking legal action to ensure compliance with the contract. The board fears that the Arab club will not honor its commitments , which could constitute a default.

The situation is concerning for Gávea, which was counting on the funds to bolster its cash flow. If the payment isn't regularized by October 4th, there's a chance the contract will be terminated and Matheus Gonçalves will return to the club.

CAN MATHEUS GONÇALVES RETURN?

Although he recently transferred, the player could return to Flamengo if the deal falls through. The board is closely monitoring the player's movements and is in contact with representatives of the player and Al-Ahli.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO PLAY AGAIN?

Flamengo enters the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão, with 54 points, four more than second-place Cruzeiro. A victory could extend the Flamengo's lead, while a victory for the Minas Gerais team would reduce the gap to just one point.