De la Cruz fitness situation fuels rift between Jardim and Flamengo medical team | OneFootball

De la Cruz’s fitness situation has fuelled tension between Leonardo Jardim’s staff and Flamengo’s medical department. According to Globo.com, doctors cleared him after scans, yet Jardim managed his workload and initially left him out.

After missing early games post-World Cup, he reappeared in the 1-1 draw at Internacional, playing the final 14 minutes at Beira-Rio. He is on Peñarol’s radar and is out against Vitória due to a third yellow card.

On returning to Ninho do Urubu, an isokinetic test was followed by slight discomfort in the front of his thigh. Scans showed no lesion and he trained, first apart while the squad were in Portugal, then with the group.

Despite clearance, the staff chose not to select him while managing loads and that discomfort. The synthetic surface at Chapecoense counted against listing him, and he was again omitted for São Paulo. Jardim later said a brief muscle issue after strength work limited him for six to seven days, and that he needs more training, noting squad balance on the bench.

Friction between departments is recurring, with public demands from the Portuguese coach and questions over delays in selecting players already cleared. In a separate case, Léo Ortiz’s injury, initially considered simple against Coritiba before the World Cup, prompted an early reintegration attempt, after which he felt pain again and had to restart, missing the Portugal camp.

Flamengo are trying to steady the mood and stay on track for trophies while handling reinforcements and De la Cruz’s future. The club are assessing Peñarol’s bid, the first offer did not please, and all sides are seeking terms. He has signalled a desire to leave, with no decision yet.

Source: Globo.com

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