De La Cruz’s brother slams ex-Flamengo doctor: “The injury isn’t irreparable”

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Coluna do Fla

·6 de agosto de 2025

De La Cruz’s brother slams ex-Flamengo doctor: “The injury isn’t irreparable”

De La Cruz was targeted by criticism due to the sequence of injuries

Flamengo has been going through a turbulent period behind the scenes in recent weeks. One of the controversies was the case between Nicolás De La Cruz and José Luiz Runco, after the former doctor of Mengão detonated the physical condition of the Uruguayan. After the 'dust settled', the midfielder's brother, Carlos Sanchez, denied the professional.

In a recent participation in the 'Guardia Alta' program, Carlos Sanchez stated: “What the Flamengo doctor said is a lie. He has a chronic injury, but it's not irreparable“. It's worth noting that De La Cruz has been out of the last games of the Mais Querido, as he is recovering his physical conditioning.

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WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN RUNCO AND DE LA CRUZ?

Former Medical Director of Flamengo, José Luiz Runco, criticized the physical condition of the Uruguayan midfielder. According to information from 'GE', the professional sent a message in a WhatsApp group formed by members of the Fla policy, criticizing the hiring of Nicolás De La Cruz. It's worth highlighting that, in December 2023, the Mais Querido spent just over R$ 100 million on the player.

Dear João. Good afternoon. I will try to pass on the situation of De la Cruz. Player bought in another administration, without any condition, as he presents a chronic and irreparable injury in the right knee, and an injury also in the left knee. As we are bipeds, we have difficulties with balance and muscle balance if any member is already affected. We are trying to do the possible so that he can participate, but it's very complicated. And, as for the sale, only if there is some club that has interest for another reason and not to play competitive football. Sincerely“, said Runco.

FLAMENGO FIRED RUNCO?

Runco's statement about De La Cruz's situation did not 'fall well' behind the scenes of Flamengo. Players, members of the technical commission, and directors demonstrated dissatisfaction with the exposure made by the professional. Thus, the rubro-negra management opted to fire the doctor on July 23. It's worth noting that José Luiz was one of the first professionals hired by the Bap administration, in January this year.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Still without De La Cruz, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (06) to face Atlético-MG. The match takes place at 19h (Brasília time), at the Arena MRV, in the return of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Thus, as usual, Coluna do Fla will bring the best coverage on the internet.

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