Fluminense aim for Hércules return in weekend derby without Nonato, Bernal | OneFootball

After gaining an advantage in the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca with an important victory in the first leg, Fluminense now turns its attention to solving the midfield absences ahead of the decisive second leg against Vasco. Unable to count on Facundo Bernal and Nonato (see more below), the Tricolor is focusing all its efforts on the physical recovery of Hércules, with the goal of having him among the starters.

The situation of the 25-year-old midfielder, however, requires considerable caution from the medical department. Sidelined from the last two matches due to severe pain in the pubic area, the athlete has already resumed activities with the rest of the squad. However, there is a major concern behind the scenes: the playing surface. The Tricolor's technical staff had already expressed strong concern about bringing the midfielder back on the synthetic pitch of Nilton Santos. Now, the medical team's apprehension is repeated with the artificial surface of Arena Barueri, as this type of field increases the impact on the joints and may worsen the clinical condition in the pubic area.

Despite being one of Fluminense's standout players throughout last season, Hércules has been struggling with a lack of rhythm in the current calendar, having made only two appearances in 2026. His last opportunity among the starting eleven was at the end of November 2025, when the Tricolor defeated Flamengo 2-1 in a Campeonato Brasileiro match. Since that victory, a series of physical problems have limited his continuity in the team.

The headache of setting up the central sector in the classic increased considerably after the events of the first semifinal match. Facundo Bernal was sent off and will have to serve an automatic suspension. To make matters worse, Nonato complained again of muscle discomfort in his right thigh, had to be substituted, and is unlikely to be available.

If Hércules does not meet the ideal physical and clinical conditions to withstand the intensity required in the clash against the cross-maltese rival, the technical staff will need to resort to less renowned alternatives. The natural substitute for the role would be Otávio, a player who has yet to win the confidence of the fans.

Before deciding the spot, the Tricolor faces Palmeiras tomorrow at Arena Barueri, for the Campeonato Brasileiro. Right after the match, the team will switch focus and begin preparations for the decisive semifinal classic against Vasco, which takes place on Sunday at 6 PM at Maracanã.

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