Flamengo player asks to skip FIFA break, could boost squad in Brasileirão

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Coluna do Fla

·7 November 2025

Flamengo player asks to skip FIFA break, could boost squad in Brasileirão

De La Cruz requested the Uruguayan Federation to stay in Rio de Janeiro

Flamengo is expected to have seven absences during the upcoming FIFA International Match Calendar period. However, the number could have been higher. This is because Nico De La Cruz asked not to be called up by Uruguay, and the request is likely to be granted by coach Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Bielsa.

Despite struggling with injuries at Flamengo, De La Cruz was in Uruguay's plans for the matches against Mexico (11/15) and the United States (11/18), at the respective opponents' venues. However, the midfielder requested not to be called up to stay in Rio de Janeiro to prepare for the final stretch of the Brasileirão and especially for the Libertadores final.

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WHICH FLAMENGO PLAYERS ARE CALLED UP?

Of the seven possible call-ups from Flamengo, three are already confirmed. Danilo and Alex Sandro are on Brazil's list, and Jorge Carrascal was called up by Colombia. Additionally, Gonzalo Plata is almost certain to be present for Ecuador, and there is an expectation for the Uruguayan trio Arrascaeta, Varela, and Viña to be included in Bielsa's list.

Thus, the called-up players will certainly be absent against Sport, at Arena Pernambuco, on November 15. Subsequently, Flamengo will play against Fluminense on 11/19, one day after the end of the FIFA International Match Calendar. Due to the tight schedule, it is likely that the Rubro-Negro will not push the athletes.

WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL TEAMS' MATCHES DURING THE FIFA INTERNATIONAL MATCH CALENDAR?

Uruguay Matches: 11/15 – Uruguay vs. Mexico – Torreón (Mexico) 11/18 – Uruguay vs. USA – Tampa (USA) Ecuador Matches: 11/13 – Ecuador vs. Canada – Toronto (Canada) 11/18 – Ecuador vs. New Zealand – New Jersey (USA) Brazil Matches: 11/15 – Brazil vs. Senegal – London (England) 11/18 – Brazil vs. Tunisia – Lille (France) Colombia Matches: 11/15 – Colombia vs. New Zealand – Fort Lauderdale (USA) 11/17 – Colombia vs. Nigeria – New York (USA)

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S LAST MATCH BEFORE THE FIFA INTERNATIONAL MATCH CALENDAR?

Before losing players to the national teams, Flamengo faces Santos this Sunday (09) at Maracanã. The match kicks off at 6:30 PM (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 33rd round. As usual, Coluna do Fla will bring all the information about the match, before, during, and after.

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