Midfielder feels pain in his thigh and may be out for Flamengo against Grêmio

Saúl Ñíguez has been playing for Flamengo for just over a month and has already established himself as a key player in coach Filipe Luís's scheme. In just six matches, the Spaniard has attracted attention not only for his individual technique but also for his synergy with Jorginho in midfield.

During an interview at Ninho do Urubu on Friday (29), the player spoke about adapting to and experiencing the intensity of Brazilian football. “ When you know a player, you know their qualities, how they move on the field , and what the coach asks of them. The level of the team helps them perform at their best, and the team's collaborative approach also helps them adapt. The demands and quality are very high. The group is so good that it helps,” he declared.

HALF PRAISES JORGINHO

When asked about his partnership with Jorginho, Saúl was blunt: " Jorginho is a great player, he understands football perfectly. But also Allan, Evertton, Vitinho (Victor Hugo) and many other players who can play in the middle are of a great level," he said before concluding.

" Nico, who is returning from injury, is looking for rhythm. His skill is very high, despite the games I played with Jorginho in the middle. But we won't always be able to count on Jorginho, we have to value all our teammates," concluded the midfielder.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With Saúl available, Flamengo arrives in high spirits for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. After the impressive 8-0 victory against Vitória, at Maracanã, the team led by Filipe Luís returns to the field against Grêmio, next Sunday (30).

Atlético-MG is undergoing changes following their elimination to Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil. The 2-0 home defeat led to the departure of coach Cuca, and the board is already working on a search for a new manager . According to ESPN Brasil, two former Flamengo coaches are emerging as favorites behind the scenes: Tite and Jorge Sampaoli.

Among those considered, Sampaoli has shown interest in returning to Galo. The Argentine closely followed the Minas Gerais classic last Wednesday (27), evaluated the squad and would be willing to resume the position without requiring immediate reinforcements.

TITE AND JORGE SAMPAOLI HAD PASSAGES

Jorge Sampaoli managed Flamengo in 2023, during which time he led the team in 39 matches, achieving 20 wins. However, he suffered early eliminations, including relegation from the Copa Libertadores, as well as a runner-up finish in the Copa do Brasil and a subpar performance in the Brasileirão.

Tite subsequently took over after the Argentine's departure. The coach from Rio Grande do Sul led the team to 68 games, winning 41 and winning the 2024 Campeonato Carioca . Despite winning the state title, his tenure ended after a disappointing Libertadores campaign, leaving him with the reins of Filipe Luís.

FLAMENGO UNDER THE COMMAND OF FILIPE LUÍS

While Atlético-MG is looking for a new coach, Mengão maintains its positive streak under the command of Filipe Luís. The team applied a historic 8-0 thrashing to Vitória, at Maracanã, last Monday (25) , and remains isolated at the top of the Brasileirão. In the next round, Flamengo faces Grêmio on Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), also at Maracanã, for the 22nd round of the national competition.

Flamengo has completed the transfer of striker Shola Ogundana to Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine. The athlete has already joined his new team, according to influencer Guilherme Flazoeiro. Thus, he becomes another name leaving the Rio de Janeiro club.

The Nigerian was one of the most prominent names in the youth ranks , winning major titles such as two U-20 Libertadores and a U-20 World Cup. His performance attracted international attention and paved the way for his career advancement outside of Brazil.

O Mais Querido reinforced its confidence in Shola 's talent by acquiring, in 2024, 70% of his economic rights for R$2 million, signing a contract valid until December 2027. Despite the long-term planning, Dynamo Kyiv's proposal was accepted, paving the way for the 20-year-old athlete to begin his journey in European football.

WHO IS SHOLA OGUNDANA

A native of Ifaki, Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria, Elijah Oluwashola Ogundana, known as Shola, was born on February 22, 2005. His football career began at the Beyond Limits academy, where he quickly gained notoriety.

During the 2022 Torneo di Viareggio, playing for Alex Transfiguration, he caught the attention of international observers and, later, Mais Querido. He was then signed on loan from Remo Stars, until, in July 2024, the club exercised a permanent purchase for R$2.4 million .

ACHIEVEMENTS FOR FLAMENGO

During the period in which he wore the red-black shirt , he accumulated significant achievements: the two-time U-20 Libertadores championship (2024 and 2025) and the U-20 Intercontinental Cup in 2024. Shola was one of the first hires in Flamengo's project to look more at the African football market.