Grêmio enter Brasileirão with defence under scrutiny after Gre-Nal 449 defeat | OneFootball

Grêmio’s early-season shape was jolted by Gre-Nal 449, the defence conceding four, three in nine second-half minutes. According to Globo.com, four positions across the back line and shield are in question.

From the starting back four, only left-back Marlon emerged unscathed. Marcos Rocha struggled with Carbonero, Noriega lacked recovery pace, and Wagner Leonardo lost out to Borré, who scored twice in quick transitions.

Ahead of them, Tiaguinho, 17, was withdrawn at half-time on a tactical call after a first-team Gre-Nal debut alongside Arthur. Dodi is now a candidate to partner Arthur.

Gustavo Martins could reclaim Noriega’s place and is training with dental protection after broken teeth against São Luiz, a factor in missing the derby. At right-back, João Pedro has returned after right-shoulder thrombosis, fit but short of rhythm, and Rocha’s captaincy complicates rotation.

There is no immediate starter-level alternative for Wagner Leonardo. Kannemann is recovering from a left thigh injury, Balbuena has managed a right thigh oedema and has not played since August after fracturing his right ankle, and Rodrigo Ely has been out since April 2025 with a left ACL rupture. Viery is cover.

Head coach Luís Castro resisted apportioning blame, saying responsibility is collective, himself included. He is prioritising group mindset over personnel changes, and training resumed on Monday afternoon with Pavon back, who could make the bench.

Grêmio visit Fluminense at the Maracanã on Wednesday at 19:30 in the Brasileirão opener. The squad will train on Tuesday morning before flying to Rio de Janeiro at 14:30.

Source: Globo.com