Saúl Ñíguez spotted at Atlético Madrid match while recovering from surgery | OneFootball

Saúl Ñíguez, recovering from left heel surgery, was spotted on crutches at Atlético Madrid's match at the Metropolitano. He remains in Spain after the procedure.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the Flamengo midfielder shared a photo from inside the stadium on social media.

Atlético Madrid beat Alavés 1-0 in La Liga on Sunday 18. Saúl previously played for the Spanish club before joining Flamengo.

Late last season he developed pain in his heel. Flamengo's medical staff, together with the player, initially opted for conservative treatment, which allowed him to feature until the team's final game of the year.

After the season, further tests were carried out and he underwent surgery in Spain. He will return to Flamengo only once the surgeon who operated on him gives the all clear.

While he recovers, Flamengo's first team are focused on their 2026 pre-season, with players returning on Monday 12 at Ninho do Urubu. The expectation is that the first-choice side will play only in the Brasileirão opener against São Paulo on 28 January.

As a result, the under-20s should continue in the next Carioca rounds. Flamengo's next Carioca fixture is against Vasco in the third round, at the Maracanã, on Wednesday 21 at 21:30 Brasília time.

Source: Coluna Do Fla