Cruzeiro near full strength for crucial Copa do Brasil clash with Flamengo

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·29 de septiembre de 2025

Cruzeiro near full strength for crucial Copa do Brasil clash with Flamengo

Cruzeiro has begun preparations to face Flamengo at Maracanã next Thursday (2nd), for the 26th round of the Série A of the Brazilian Championship, with good news. The team led by Leonardo Jardim is expected to have important players returning and, for the first time in several weeks, may have its full squad available for a direct clash at the top of the table.

In addition to the already confirmed returns of defender Villalba and forward Gabigol, who served automatic suspensions in the 2-0 defeat to Vasco last Saturday (28th), Raposa has gained another significant reinforcement. Colombian forward Luis Sinisterra trained normally with the squad this Monday (29th) and is expected to be included for the match against the team from Rio.

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Signed in the latest transfer window, Sinisterra has played only three matches for Cruzeiro and scored one goal, but he has been considered an important piece for the offensive sector. A muscle injury in his right thigh sidelined him from the team's recent matches, but his progress in recovery allowed him to rejoin training this week.

In the press conference after the match at São Januário, Leonardo Jardim explained the striker's situation:

“It’s not easy to prepare the players in this context. During this preparation, Sinisterra had a strain in the tibial discs, something that usually improves in six or seven days. He has already started integration work, let’s see if this week we can get him to train and count on his presence in the game.”

Another point that excites the coaching staff is the fact that Cruzeiro did not suffer any disciplinary losses against Vasco. Seven players took the field at risk of suspension, including defender Fabrício Bruno, midfielder Matheus Pereira, and forward Kaio Jorge — all considered pillars of the team. None of them received a yellow card, which gives the coach more options to set up the team at Maracanã.

In addition to the natural weight of the clash against Flamengo, the match is crucial for Cruzeiro to stay in the direct fight for the title and at the top of the standings. Cruzeiro is seeking an away win to remain strong in the race for a direct spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores and to erase the below-par performance against Vasco.

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