Léo Pereira injury ruled out, but doubt for Flamengo v Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Léo Pereira injury ruled out, but doubt for Flamengo v Cruzeiro | OneFootball

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Coluna do Fla

·31 July 2026

Léo Pereira injury ruled out, but doubt for Flamengo v Cruzeiro

Article image:Léo Pereira injury ruled out, but doubt for Flamengo v Cruzeiro

Léo Pereira left the field against Internacional with knee pain


Flamengo has one less headache for the rest of the season. That’s because medical exams ruled out any injury for Léo Pereira, who left the pitch limping in the 21st round of the Brasileirão. However, the player could be rested in the next matches, since he has swelling in the area.

The swelling kept the number 4 shirt out of Flamengo’s training session this Friday (21) at Ninho do Urubu. As a result, the club is avoiding setting a return date for the starter, but expects to have the defender available against Vitória on Sunday (August 9). The information comes from GE.


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How did Léo Pereira’s knee swell up?

Still in the first half of the match against Internacional on Wednesday (29), Léo grabbed his left knee after intercepting a pass. The center back pushed himself to finish the half at Beira-Rio, and Danilo came on as a substitute in the second half.

The Mengão defender was with the Brazilian National Team at this year’s World Cup. Although he was not heavily used, the player had a shorter break than some of his teammates. Young Johnny is the only other left-footed center back in Flamengo’s squad besides the number 4.

Which center backs does Flamengo currently have available?

Besides Johnny, who has also been playing as a fullback for the senior team, head coach Leonardo Jardim has Danilo, Léo Ortiz, and Vitão available. Meanwhile, youngsters João Victor and Daniel Thuram complete the squad.

Why rest Léo Pereira?

Despite the next nine days without matches, Flamengo is also concerned about the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Ideally, the starter would be available for the matches against Cruzeiro on August 12 and 19. So the player is a doubt for the games before those decisive clashes.

Is anyone injured at Flamengo?

At the moment, Flamengo’s medical department has only Gonzalo Plata and Luiz Araújo. The Ecuadorian has tendinitis in his right leg, while the number 7 suffered trauma to his right knee. Their return timelines are still unknown.

What is the author’s opinion on Léo Pereira’s situation?

It’s great news that Karolino’s injury has been ruled out. Of all our center backs, he’s been the most consistent this year. Vitão was doing well until the match against Internacional, when he got almost everything he tried wrong,” said João Vítor Reis of Coluna do Fla, who added: But I’m against rushing Léo Pereira’s recovery. Even if it’s just swelling, we’ve already seen how skipping steps has worsened some health issues this season. Let the guy rest against Vitória and Mirassol,” he said.

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

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