Fortaleza handed derby lifeline with surprise boost | OneFootball

Fortaleza have secured a significant boost ahead of Sunday’s Clássico Rei against Ceará, as forward Marinho is now eligible for selection following the club’s success in obtaining a suspension waiver, according to Diário do Nordeste. On Saturday morning, auditor Rodrigo Aiache granted Fortaleza’s request for a suspensive effect, ensuring Marinho can be included in coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s squad for the 13th round of the Série A at Castelão.

Marinho, who wears the number 11 shirt, had initially been handed a two-match suspension by the sixth disciplinary committee after receiving a red card against Vasco da Gama in the ninth round. With the waiver approved, he is free to play for Fortaleza until a new trial by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD)’s full panel, for which a date has not yet been set.

This development arrives at a critical moment for Vojvoda and his team, who are seeking to halt a sequence of eight games without victory, including an equally long unbeaten drought in the Clássico Rei. The return of Marinho adds important depth to the right wing, complementing the recent registration of Argentine signing José Herrera, who is also in contention for his debut after being officially cleared to play on Friday.

Fortaleza’s recent transfer activity, highlighted by the signings of Herrera from Argentinos Juniors and Adam Bareiro from River Plate, represents one of the club’s most ambitious recruitment drives. Herrera, in particular, arrived for a fee of $2.4 million, making him the second most expensive signing in Fortaleza’s history (NE45). These additions have been designed to address offensive shortcomings and provide Vojvoda with greater tactical flexibility, with as many as nine attacking options now available—including Marinho and fellow wingers Pikachu, Allanzinho, and Moisés.

Fortaleza’s leadership and senior players have also been proactive in motivating both the squad and supporters. According to NE45, figures like captain Tinga and forward Lucero have made public appeals for unity and belief during a difficult spell that’s included elimination from the Copa do Nordeste and lingering peril in the relegation zone.

Marinho’s sudden availability not only relieves concerns about limited options in attack but also heightens the sense of occasion as Fortaleza prepare to face a Ceará side currently five points ahead. With the derby set for a 20:30 kick-off at Castelão, Vojvoda now has key decisions to make in deploying his revitalised attack as the club look to reignite their campaign and snap the winless run in one of Brazilian football’s fiercest rivalries.