Jardim considers resting De La Cruz for Atlético-MG trip on synthetic pitch | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim has left open the option of resting De La Cruz for Flamengo’s Brasileirão trip to Atlético-MG on Sunday, citing the Arena MRV’s synthetic pitch.

The coach spoke as Flamengo turned attention from a win over Vitória in the first leg of the fifth phase of the Copa do Brasil. According to Coluna Do Fla, he said it would be preferable to spare the Uruguayan and consider alternatives.

Jardim noted the surface troubles the midfielder, adding that De La Cruz would still push himself if required against Atlético-MG. He recalled an instance, believed to be against Palmeiras, when the player was injured after about 15 minutes.

He will assess Jorginho, Saúl and Evertton Araújo over the next three days. If they can avoid using De La Cruz, he said, it would be an advantage with a game in Argentina to come.

Flamengo have often held De La Cruz back on synthetic surfaces to protect chronic pain in his right knee and to reduce impact that could aggravate the issue.

Atlético-MG v Flamengo is on Sunday, 26th, at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte in the 13th round, kick-off 20:30 Brasília time. There is no free-to-air broadcast, with SporTV and Premiere showing it live. Flamengo are second on 23 points, Palmeiras lead on 29 and have played one more game, with Fluminense on 23 and São Paulo on 20 completing the top four.

Source: Coluna Do Fla