Flamengo fitness update: De la Cruz uncertain on synthetic, Paquetá and Pulgar out | OneFootball

Flamengo visit Arena MRV on Sunday at 20:30 Brasília time in the Brasileiro, but key absences remain. According to Globo.com, Paquetá and Pulgar are ruled out and De la Cruz is uncertain because of the synthetic pitch.

The squad had only one training session before completing preparations on Saturday, then they travel to Belo Horizonte.

Paquetá has no firm return date and is working indoors with physiotherapy. The club are taking a cautious approach despite the player's optimism. He sustained oedema in his left thigh against Bahia, with no knee injury.

Pulgar has not yet trained with the group and was already set to miss this league game through suspension. He has a chance to be included for the Libertadores tie with Estudiantes. In the Brasileiro he is due to be available only for Grêmio on 10 May, as he recovers from an acromioclavicular joint issue in his right shoulder.

Flamengo have not ruled out taking the Uruguayan De la Cruz to Arena MRV. He usually does not play on synthetic turf due to a chronic knee problem, with a final decision after Saturday's session.

With Jorginho, Saúl and Evertton Araújo available, the coach could opt to rest him with the Libertadores in mind. De la Cruz started the opener against Cusco.

Flamengo are second in the table with 23 points. Palmeiras lead on 29 and have played one game more.

Source: Globo.com