O drama que tira De la Cruz do Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo head into their Brasileirão clash with Atlético Mineiro this Sunday without Nicolás De la Cruz, whose absence stems from both personal and medical reasons, according to reporting from Lance and Globo.

The Uruguayan midfielder was granted leave by Flamengo to spend time with his family in Uruguay following a fraught week off the pitch. De la Cruz was at the center of controversy after his medical details were leaked in a WhatsApp message by José Luiz Runco, the now former head of Flamengo’s medical department. In the messages circulated within political circles associated with the club, Runco alleged De la Cruz suffers from a “chronic and irreparable injury in the right knee, and also an injury in the left knee,” and publicly questioned the wisdom of Flamengo's acquisition of the player. Runco, who was dismissed by Flamengo on Wednesday, insisted that any possible transfer would only be feasible “if a club is interested for reasons other than competitive football.”

Flamengo swiftly responded, stating officially that the message did not come from any of the five current medical staff and reaffirming their focus on transparency and athlete care.

Amid the fallout and following difficult days emotionally for the player, the club decided to release De la Cruz until Monday. He is not training and will not feature in the squad to face Atlético Mineiro at Maracanã.

From a fitness perspective, De la Cruz is in the midst of treatment for inflammation in his left knee, involving fluid drainage and pain management, Globo reported. The right knee, cited in the leaked messages, is said not to be causing pain at this time. There is no projected return date for him, but both sources indicate Flamengo will keep him sidelined for at least three weeks to prioritize a thorough rehabilitation. Team doctor Luiz Macedo addressed De la Cruz’s situation, noting, “We understand he had a very good first half of the year. But after a traumatic injury in May, he has needed a longer period away. Our aim is to give him the best possible chance for the same level of performance in the second half as he showed earlier.”

De la Cruz had already missed several matches prior to these events due to his injuries.

His midfield absence leaves a notable gap for Flamengo as they host Atlético Mineiro, with the club managing not just on-field demands but also the off-field impact of leaks and recent staff turnover in their medical department.

(Sources: Lance, Globo)