Flamengo expected to be without De La Cruz for Botafogo trip

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·13 March 2026

Flamengo expected to be without De La Cruz for Botafogo trip

Flamengo could be without De La Cruz for Saturday's derby at Botafogo, with Leonardo Jardim facing a fresh selection issue.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the Uruguayan is expected to be rested because of the synthetic surface at the Estádio Nilton Santos. He was also omitted when Flamengo met Botafogo in the Carioca quarter-finals.

OneFootball Videos

Two absentees are already confirmed for the derby. Saúl Ñíguez is recovering after surgery on his left heel, while Bruno Henrique continues treatment for pubalgia.

Flamengo arrive on a high after winning the Carioca title last Sunday, defeating Fluminense on penalties. They also beat Cruzeiro 2-0 in the fifth round of the Brasileirão.

The sixth-round fixture against Botafogo is scheduled for 20:30 Brasília time on Saturday, 14, at the Estádio Nilton Santos.

Source: Coluna Do Fla