Grêmio weigh defensive options as Gustavo Martins ruled out, Kannemann suspended for Bragantino trip | OneFootball

Grêmio face a defensive reshuffle after centre-back Gustavo Martins was diagnosed with muscle oedema in his left thigh and ruled out of Sunday’s match at Bragantino. Kannemann is also unavailable, suspended after his third yellow card.

According to Globo.com, Wallace, who has started the past four games, should keep his place, with uncertainty over his partner and which side he will cover.

On the left, the only option is Wagner Leonardo, who has slipped down the pecking order in recent months. He has not played since 23 July, when a mixed Grêmio side lost to Bolívar in La Paz in the Sudamericana play-offs.

On the right there are more candidates. Luís Eduardo has just returned from Brazil under-20 duty. He did not feature against Bolivia, but is trusted by Luís Castro and has made six appearances in 2026, previously ahead of Wagner Leonardo.

Midfielder Noriega can also fill in at centre-back, as he did last season under Mano Menezes, but he has been starting in midfield. That area is already missing Nardoni, who has a strain in his right knee.

Paraguayan Balbuena has not figured in the staff’s plans since the World Cup, named only once, the home defeat to Bolívar at the Arena, though he continues to train with the first team.

Luís Castro has until Saturday to finalise his line-up for the trip to Bragantino. Grêmio closed the 23rd round of the Brasileirão in 15th on 25 points, two ahead of Mirassol, the first side in the relegation zone.

Source: Globo.com

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