Without Memphis Depay, check out the likely Corinthians vs. Flamengo match

In recent days, rumors have surfaced that Flamengo could attempt to sign Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for the 2026 season. The idea would be to have the Brazilian as a key player in attack , a possibility that has been speculated on other occasions. However, an internal decision has already been made.

ATTACKER IS NOT IN THE PLANS

According to journalist Yago Martins of the Mundo Bola Flamengo website, the Flamengo board has no interest in pursuing Gabriel Jesus . The understanding is that the attack is already strong enough and that the club should prioritize reinforcements in other positions .

It's worth noting that, despite a mixed season, Pedro rebounded and became one of the team's top scorers , further reinforcing the management's confidence in the current squad. Despite this, the transfer market continues to be lively behind the scenes at Gávea, with other players being speculated about, such as goalkeeper Bento and midfielder Arias.

FLAMENGO LEADER OF THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

While awaiting the Copa Libertadores semifinal against Racing (ARG), Flamengo also remains focused on the Brasileirão . Under Filipe Luís, the team leads the competition with 51 points from 23 games, closely followed by Cruzeiro with 50 and Palmeiras with 49.

The next match will be this Sunday (28), at 8:30 pm, against Corinthians, at Neo Química Arena, for the 25th round. The São Paulo team is in 11th place in the championship and is looking for a victory to enter the fight for a place in the 2026 Copa Libertadores.

This Sunday (28), Flamengo and Corinthians face each other in the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. The duel will be at Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo, starting at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) , and will be broadcast by Record TV (open channel), Cazé TV (YouTube) and Premiere (pay-per-view).

HOW FLAMENGO ARRIVES

Flamengo arrives motivated after beating Estudiantes (ARG) on penalties to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals . Now, Filipe Luís's team is fully focused on the Brasileirão and may make some changes to the lineup to retain starters and give other players some rhythm.

FLAMENGO'S SHORTAGES

The coach has three confirmed absences: Erick Pulgar , who is still recovering from surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot ; Ayrton Lucas, suspended for the third yellow card he received in the classic against Vasco; and Michael, out due to pain in his left ankle and did not travel with the group.

Probable Flamengo: Rossi; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Leo Ortiz) and Viña; Allan (Jorginho), De la Cruz, Arrascaeta (Carrascal); Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino (Everton Cebolinha) and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).

HOW CORINTHIANS ARRIVES

Corinthians heads into the match with some doubts , especially regarding the presence of Memphis Depay, whose condition for the match is still uncertain. Coach Dorival Júnior is expected to evaluate the Dutchman before the match, but the forward is likely to miss the match.

Probable Corinthians: Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique and Matheus Bidu; Raniele, Maycon, José Martinez and Breno Bidon; Gui Negão and Yuri Alberto. Coach: Dorival Jr.

Cruzeiro lost to Vasco this Saturday (27), in São Januário, and saw Flamengo gain the chance to open up an advantage at the top of the Brasileirão if they beat Corinthians this Sunday (28). After the final whistle, striker Kaio Jorge lamented the negative result , but already projected the duel next Thursday (02), against Rubro-Negro, as a real decision.

Kaio Jorge before Flamengo vs Cruzeiro: "The Brasileirão is very complicated"

"We knew it would be a very difficult match; playing here is tough. We started the game a little off and conceded a goal, which made things difficult . When we got back into the game in the second half, we conceded another, which made things even more difficult," the striker declared.

" But we don't have time to regret it now; the Brasileirão is very complicated . And on Thursday we'll face Flamengo . So, on Thursday, Cruzeiro will have a decision," Kaio Jorge added in an interview with Amazon Prime.

SITUATION IN THE TABLE

With the defeat to Vasco, Cruzeiro remains with 50 points, in second place. The Minas Gerais team, however, runs the risk of seeing Flamengo increase the gap at the top , if Rubro-Negro beats Corinthians this Sunday (28).

Furthermore, Palmeiras could also overtake the Belo Horizonte team if they defeat Bahia in this round and take second place. Thus, Cruzeiro is under pressure both to maintain its position behind Flamengo and to avoid losing ground in the table.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO X CRUZEIRO?

The duel between Flamengo and Cruzeiro is scheduled for next Thursday (02), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The match will be broadcast by Premiere (pay-per-view) throughout Brazil, in addition to full coverage by Gazeta do Urubu.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Before facing Cruzeiro, Flamengo faces Corinthians this Sunday (27), at 8:30 pm, at Neo Química Arena, for the 25th round of the Brasileirão . Mais Querido is the leader of the competition with 51 points, one more than Raposa, but with two games less. Alvinegro is in 11th place with 29 points.