Flamengo has 4 players suspended and could have 2 'surprise' absences to face Cruzeiro

Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (02) for a crucial duel against Cruzeiro at Maracanã Stadium. The match, valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship, starts at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) and could be decisive for the Rubro-Negro's continuation at the top of the competition.

Filipe Luís's team is seeking a victory to solidify its position, but it must contend with a loss of players and four key players facing suspension. For tonight's match, coach Filipe Luís has only one player unavailable: Erick Pulgar . The midfielder is still recovering from surgery on his right foot.

FLAMENGO'S HUNG

In addition to Pulgar's absence, Flamengo's coaching staff must manage the situation of four players suspended with two yellow cards . This list includes defenders Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro, and midfielders Allan and Arrascaeta.

If any of these athletes receives a third yellow card against Cruzeiro , they will be automatically suspended and will not be able to play in the 27th round of the Brasileirão, when Flamengo faces Bahia.

6-POINT GAME

The duel at Maracanã pits teams from the top of the table against each other, which intensifies the significance of the result. Flamengo currently leads the Brasileirão with 54 points . Palmeiras, who already played their match in the 26th round and beat Vasco, is in second place with 52 points. This Thursday's opponent, Cruzeiro, is right behind them in third place with 50 points.

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, to face Cruzeiro in a direct confrontation for the leadership of the Brazilian Championship. The match opens the 26th round of the competition and promises a full house at the stadium.

After resting some athletes in the victory over Corinthians , last Sunday (28), coach Filipe Luís should field full strength. Ayrton Lucas returns after suspension , while Matías Viña and Léo Pereira, who left the field with physical problems against Alvinegro, have been released by the medical department and should be available.

The likely red-black formation has Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira (Danilo) and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino and Pedro.

MICHAEL MAY BE AN OPTION

Striker Michael has been training normally in recent days and could be included again after recovering from the left ankle pain that sidelined him from the trip to Argentina. Midfielder Erick Pulgar remains in the process of physical rehabilitation and is only expected to return after the FIFA International Day.

FIGHT DIRECTLY FOR THE BRAZILIAN

Flamengo leads Serie A with 54 points. Cruzeiro, their direct rival in the fight for the top spot , started the round in second place, with 50. Palmeiras, who beat Vasco 3-0 this Wednesday (1st), has 52 points and is in third place.

Flamengo received more good news this Wednesday (1st). After not losing any players to Carlo Ancelotti's Brazilian national team , the Rubro-Negro was also left out of Uruguay's list. According to journalist Sebas Giovanelli, Arrascaeta and Varela will not be called up for the friendlies against the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan . The only name from the Mais Querido on the list should be Matías Viña.

The decision is considered crucial for the club, as both teams are coming off a busy run of games . Arrascaeta was instrumental in the recovery after the last FIFA World Cup, scoring in a 2-0 win over Juventude in Caxias do Sul.

RECOGNIZED CAST

Coach Marcelo Bielsa publicly praised the work of Filipe Luís's coaching staff at Flamengo , highlighting the dedication to the players' physical preparation and recovery. Only Viña, who was already with the Uruguayan squad, remained in the final squad.

EXPECTATION ABOUT PLATA

After Ancelotti and Bielsa's announcements, Flamengo is still awaiting Ecuador's decision. Gonzalo Plata is also expected to be rested by Sebastián Beccacece for the friendlies against the United States and Mexico. The striker has been an important asset for Filipe Luís, but has shown signs of physical fatigue in recent matches.

FLAMENGO AGENDA

Before the break, Flamengo has two decisive games for the Brasileirão : this Thursday (2): against Cruzeiro, in a direct confrontation at Maracanã, and Sunday (5) against Bahia, in Salvador, to stay ahead of the table. After the Fifa Date, Rubro-Negro returns to the field in the classic against Botafogo, on October 15.