Cano’s return delayed, synthetic pitches rule out top scorer | OneFootball

Although recovered and training with the group, the Argentine is expected to be rested for the matches against Vasco (Nilton Santos) and Palmeiras (Arena Barueri); John Kennedy remains leading the attack.

Fluminense fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Germán Cano, but they will have to wait a little longer to see the top scorer in action in an official match. Although the number 14 has already returned to training with the rest of the squad in recent days, a logistical and preventive issue is expected to delay his comeback: synthetic pitches.

The Tricolor is entering its first major decisive run of 2026, but the venues for the next two battles are not ideal for the return of a player coming off a period of inactivity. This Sunday, Fluminense faces Vasco in the first leg of the Carioca semifinal at Nilton Santos Stadium. The following Wednesday, they travel to face Palmeiras in a direct clash for the lead in the Brasileirão, at Arena Barueri.

Both stadiums have artificial turf. Luis Zubeldía’s coaching staff, erring on the side of caution, believes that the impact of the synthetic surface could be harmful to Cano at this moment. The goal is to avoid unnecessary risks and have the Argentine at 100% for the crucial moment.

The Plan for the Return

The plan drawn up at Laranjeiras points to the second leg of the State Championship semifinal. The idea is for Cano to be available for the decisive derby the following Sunday, which will be played at Maracanã, on natural grass. Until then, the striker will continue working on his fitness at the Carlos Castilho Training Center.

John Kennedy retained and full strength

Without Cano, John Kennedy remains the focal point of the Tricolor attack. For this Sunday’s match against Vasco, Zubeldía indicated in Saturday’s training session that he will not hold back, fielding his best lineup.

Unlike the 3 to 1 win over Bangu, where he mixed up the team, the coach will bring back the starters who began on the bench. Right-back Samuel Xavier, midfielder Lucho Acosta, and forward Serna will reclaim their spots in the starting lineup.

The likely Fluminense lineup to face Vasco is: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Freytes, Jemmes, and Renê; Bernal, Martinelli, and Lucho Acosta; Canobbio, Serna, and John Kennedy.

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