Cruzeiro set for changes with absences and returns ahead of Atlético derby | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim’s team deals with a key defensive absence but gains reinforcements for the 28th round clash of the Brasileirão

Cruzeiro continues its preparations for the derby against Atlético, scheduled for next Wednesday (15) at 9:30 p.m. at Arena MRV, in a match valid for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship Série A. The team led by Leonardo Jardim will have changes to the squad due to important absences, but will also count on significant returns for the encounter.

The main loss will be in the defensive sector. An undisputed starter in the Celeste backline, Fabrício Bruno is with the Brazilian National Team and is expected to play in the friendly against Japan this Tuesday (14), making his presence in the next day’s derby difficult due to logistical reasons.

With that, the Portuguese coach will have to choose a replacement between Jonathan Jesus and João Marcelo. The tendency is for Jonathan to be chosen, as he is in game rhythm and has featured more regularly in recent rounds, while João Marcelo is still gradually returning after a knee injury that kept him out for several months.

On the other hand, Cruzeiro received good news with the returns of Wanderson and Christian, who are back at the manager’s disposal. Wanderson hasn’t played since the defeat to Vasco in the 25th round due to lower back pain, but he’s already training with the group and will be an option for the attacking sector. Christian, who had been undergoing load management and started the match against Sport on the bench, ended up being used due to Matheus Henrique’s injury. The midfielder is now 100% recovered and could even start the derby among the first eleven.

Thus, Cruzeiro’s confirmed absences for the derby are:

Leonardo Jardim is only expected to decide the starting lineup for the derby moments before kickoff, but the tendency is for the team to return to the most commonly used setup this season, with a midfield of Romero, Lucas Silva, Wanderson, and Christian, plus Matheus Pereira as the playmaker and Kaio Jorge further forward.

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