Saúl returns for Flamengo after 95 days as Jardim gains midfield option | OneFootball

Saúl Ñíguez featured for 18 minutes in Flamengo’s 2-0 win over Mirassol, his first official outing in 95 days. The cameo broadens Leonardo Jardim’s options at a key moment.

According to Globo.com, he underwent left Achilles surgery in January, returned in mid-April, then took a blow to the same heel against Cusco in the Libertadores, which sidelined him again as competition intensified with Lucas Paquetá’s arrival.

Against Mirassol, Pulgar took a knock and went off in the first half, replaced by Evertton Araújo, who later also departed. Paquetá dropped deeper and Saúl came on from the bench, replacing Carrascal to play higher up.

Though not a natural holding midfielder, he impressed in that role in the Libertadores last 16 at Beira-Rio, stepping in for the injured Pulgar to partner Jorginho against Internacional.

His Flamengo spell has swung from standout starter in 2025 to the back of the queue this year. He had not played for almost two months, last appearing on 17 July in a 4-2 friendly against Olimpia. In official games he was unused for eight matches after a 3-0 win over Coritiba in the Brasileirão’s 18th round, the last before the World Cup pause.

It is still unclear whether Pulgar and Evertton Araújo will miss the meeting with Remo next weekend. If they are not available, Saúl could seize the opening for further minutes, either as a holding midfielder or closer to the attack.

Source: Globo.com

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