Saúl return for Flamengo depends on Jardim’s call | OneFootball

According to Coluna Do Fla, Saúl could make his Flamengo return on Thursday, but it depends on Leonardo Jardim’s decision for the Libertadores group match against Independiente Medellín.

The midfielder has completed the transition phase and is now working with Jardim’s coaching staff, so inclusion in the squad would be at the coach’s discretion.

The Spaniard has not played in 2026 as he recovered from heel surgery. He began experiencing heel pain late in 2025, opting for conservative treatment to feature in decisive Libertadores and Brasileirão fixtures.

After the season ended, Saúl and Flamengo’s medical department agreed on surgery. The procedure was carried out in Spain at the start of January, and he has not appeared since the end of 2025.

Flamengo host Independiente Medellín in the second round of the Libertadores group stage on Thursday 16 at 21:30 Brasília time at the Maracanã.

Source: Coluna Do Fla