De La Cruz and Saúl in contention for Flamengo start against Red Bull Bragantino | OneFootball

De La Cruz and Saúl are vying for a starting place in Flamengo’s next Brasileirão match, with Leonardo Jardim short in midfield. According to Coluna Do Fla, the debate follows a 2-1 win over Corinthians in round 27.

Jardim usually has six holding midfielders and avoids improvisation. For Red Bull Bragantino, three are out, Lucas Paquetá and Erick Pulgar are suspended, and Evertton Araújo is injured.

With Jorginho a regular starter, the coach is left with De La Cruz and Saúl to fill the remaining role. The Uruguayan was not even listed against Corinthians by the coach’s choice.

De La Cruz was omitted because only nine foreign players can be named per Brasileirão match. Saúl may have a stronger chance to partner Jorginho versus Red Bull Bragantino, as he was available last time.

Flamengo now also refocus on the Libertadores. On Thursday 17, they face Independiente del Valle at the Maracanã from 21:30 Brasília time. They won the first leg 2-0 in Quito and can lose by up to one goal and still advance.

For the continental tie, Jardim will have Paquetá and Pulgar available, along with Jorginho, and there is no foreign-player cap, so De La Cruz and Saúl can be included. The league meeting with Red Bull Bragantino is on Sunday 20 at the Maracanã, 18:30 Brasília time, in round 28.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”