Saúl targets Flamengo chance amid suspensions in Libertadores and Brasileirão | OneFootball

With suspensions biting, Saúl Ñíguez has an opening to reclaim minutes for Flamengo in the Brasileirão and the Libertadores.

According to Globo.com, Leonardo Jardim could start the Spaniard against Bragantino in the 28th round, as Pulgar is banned after a third yellow. Saúl is competing with De La Cruz. Kick-off is Sunday at 18h30 at the Maracanã.

In South America, Jorginho misses the semi-final first leg at Estudiantes in La Plata after his red card against Independiente del Valle. Saúl is again in the frame, with a deeper Paquetá also under consideration.

The midfielder is rebuilding rhythm after 95 days out, returning against Mirassol on two September. Not a natural holder, he shone there in the round of 16 second leg at Internacional’s Beira-Rio, replacing the injured Pulgar alongside Jorginho.

He said he feels better and is trying to keep his rhythm, although he is not at peak physically and has not recently completed 90 minutes from the start. He wants to end the season as well as possible after a difficult year.

Jardim has praised his recent display against Independiente del Valle and outlined tactical reasons for using him, prioritising compactness and defending crosses with aerially strong players such as Royal, Ayrton and the centre-backs.

Flamengo lead the league by one point from Palmeiras. After Bragantino, they have a 17-day break for FIFA dates and return on eight October away to Santos.

Source: Globo.com

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