Will Saúl start for Flamengo in the Libertadores semi-final? Find out | OneFootball

Saúl played the full 90 minutes in Flamengo’s 2-1 win over Bragantino in their latest Brazilian Championship match. It was the first time this season that the Spaniard had played an entire game, just a few weeks before the Copa Libertadores semifinal.

Jorginho will be unavailable for the first leg against Estudiantes, scheduled for October 15 in Argentina. The Italian-Brazilian midfielder was sent off in the match against Independiente del Valle and will have to serve a suspension.

As a result, Leonardo Jardim will have to choose a replacement, and the Spanish midfielder is among the options. Against Bragantino, the Spaniard once again completed an official match after a season with more limited playing time.

The last 90 minutes had come in 2025

The last time Saúl had started and finished a match was on November 19, 2025. On that occasion, Flamengo lost 2-1 to Fluminense. After that game, he dealt with heel pain and had reduced involvement in the final stretch of the season.

Before the clash with Bragantino, Saúl had played 12 matches in 2026. With the full 90 minutes at the Maracanã, he reached 13 appearances this season and remains one of the midfield options for the semifinal of the continental competition.

Lucas Paquetá and Nicolás de la Cruz are also alternatives

In addition to Saúl, Lucas Paquetá and Nicolás de la Cruz are among the players Leonardo Jardim could use in the midfield setup. Lucas Paquetá, however, has also been considered an alternative for Giorgian De Arrascaeta’s position.

Against Independiente del Valle, Lucas Paquetá started in place of the Uruguayan. That more advanced role could weigh on the decision for Jorginho’s spot. The Uruguay international is also an option for the position.

The decision will come before the match in Argentina

Flamengo will have a little over three weeks between the match against Bragantino and the first clash with Estudiantes. During that period, Leonardo Jardim will be able to assess how the players are used and decide on the lineup for the semifinal.

The match in Argentina will be on October 15. Until then, the Spanish midfielder could increase his playing time. The No. 8 is one of the options to replace Jorginho, with the final decision resting with Flamengo’s coaching staff.

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