Fuentes out of favour under Zubeldía, left-back spot in doubt | OneFootball

Left-back Gabriel Fuentes has been losing more and more space in the Fluminense squad. Since the arrival of coach Luis Zubeldía, the Colombian has taken part in only two matches: 30 minutes against Juventude and 45 minutes in the defeat to Ceará, at Castelão.

Signed in the second half of 2024 from Junior Barranquilla, Fuentes has played 33 games wearing the tricolor shirt. His best moment was at the beginning of the current season, during the Campeonato Carioca, when he was still managed by Mano Menezes. At that time, he was even considered by much of the fans as the team’s starting left-back.

The good phase, however, was interrupted by a grade 2 thigh injury, which kept him out of action for over a month. Since then, the left-back has not been able to regain the same rhythm.

Under Renato Gaúcho, Fuentes had some opportunities, but did not secure a spot among the starting eleven. During the Club World Cup, the undisputed starter was Renê, who was praised for providing more offensive and, especially, defensive balance.

Under the command of Zubeldía, the scenario has not changed. Fuentes was used in only two games, both coming off the bench, and now sees the competition for the left-back position increase, especially with Renê consolidated in the role.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.