Cuéllar’s stance unsettles Grêmio and could prompt early exit | OneFootball

Gustavo Cuéllar’s future at Grêmio is nearing a decision after his post-Carnival illness was poorly received inside the club, deepening prior disappointment.

According to Globo.com, he was excused from training to recover and will miss Juventude on Sunday in the Gauchão semi-final second leg. A decision is expected when the squad reconvenes on Monday, with contract termination viewed as a strong possibility.

There is irritation at his approach, with doubts over his application. A loan has not materialised, so rescission is on the table, but his high wages and a deal through December make any early split costly unless he forfeits money.

His return was contrasted with Monsalve, praised for coming back a day early to continue treatment for a thigh injury. Grêmio also want a leaner squad and fewer foreigners, with 13 currently and a CBF cap of nine that could fall to seven.

Signings Juan Nardoni and Leonel Pérez further limit his chances, and he has not convinced Luís Castro. In 2026 he has started once, the 1-0 defeat to São José in round two, and was an unused substitute in four others, including two versus Juventude, totalling 72 minutes.

Signed in January 2025, he played 28 times last year amid recurrent muscle injuries. He has told confidants the problems stemmed from a flawed initial programme, and says coach Gustavo Quinteros told him to play to build fitness. Under Mano Menezes he followed a strengthening plan and later alternated between bench and starts, short of expectations.

Source: Globo.com