Marlon jokes on Grêmio return, says kick him and you will get hurt | OneFootball

Marlon marked his return to action after a long lay-off by starting Grêmio’s draw with Fluminense, earning loud applause at the Arena, and later joked that any opponent who kicks him will be the one to come off worse.

According to Globo.com, the left-back had been sidelined for 129 days after fracturing his right ankle against Vitória in March, an injury that required surgery, 18 screws and a metal plate.

He took a challenge inside the opening minute on the previously injured leg, then said he felt calm after psychological support and intensive training, adding that match rhythm and fitness are now his focus.

Marlon lasted until the 34th minute of the second half, when team-mates signalled for his substitution. He resumed set-piece duties, combined well with Amuzu, but rarely attacked the byline.

He said he had been available for the midweek trip to face Bolívar in the Sudamericana, but asked coach Luís Castro to bring him back at the Arena to aid confidence, noting he had targeted three months and returned a month later.

This was his 14th appearance of the season, taking his tally to one goal and two assists. Having recovered, he regains the starting berth and should get more minutes against Bolívar on Thursday in the playoff second leg at the Arena.

With a first-leg defeat away, Grêmio must win by one to force penalties, or by two to qualify outright.

Source: Globo.com