Saúl in countdown to Flamengo return as heel surgery recovery advances | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim has received a boost, with Saúl Ñíguez nearing a Flamengo return as he prepares to move from rehab to full conditioning after the international break. According to Coluna Do Fla, the midfielder has advanced in his recovery from heel surgery and is almost ready to join the fitness programme.

He is in the final phase of physiotherapy and is due to be handed to Flamengo’s fitness staff in April. If progress goes to plan, he could be cleared by the second week of the month to train with the squad.

A comeback straight after the break is unlikely, but he could be available for the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo open their campaign on eight April against Cusco (PER).

Two further group games follow this month, away to Independiente Medellín of Colombia on 16 and then Estudiantes (ARG) on 29. Ñíguez could return in one of those fixtures.

Saúl felt heel pain towards the end of the 2025 season. He opted for conservative treatment to play key Libertadores and Brasileirão matches.

After the season ended, he and Flamengo’s medical staff agreed on surgery, which he underwent in Spain at the start of January.

Without him, Flamengo face Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday, two April, in the ninth round of the Brasileirão, kicking off at 21.30 Brasília time at Estádio Municipal Cicero De Souza Marques in São Paulo.

Source: Coluna Do Fla