Cruzeiro set for fresh blow before Flamengo Libertadores tie | OneFootball

Cruzeiro’s Medical Department Is Packed Ahead of Match Against Flamengo

The current Libertadores champion, Flamengo, will face Cruzeiro in the round of 16 of the tournament. With only a few days left until the first leg, the Minas Gerais side has a new concern for the clash. It is Néiser Villarreal.

According to information from ‘Rádio Itatiaia’, forward Néiser Villarreal is dealing with a muscle injury in his thigh. As a result, the player will miss the matches against Chapecoense and Mirassol and is also expected to miss the games against Flamengo in the Libertadores.

It is worth noting that Villarreal is the immediate replacement for Kaio Jorge, Cruzeiro’s starting center forward. Therefore, the player’s possible absence is raising alarm bells for Artur Jorge, who will have Bruno Rodrigues as the main alternative to the number 19 shirt.

Will Cruzeiro have absences for the matches against Flamengo?

Yes! Cruzeiro has two confirmed absences for the matches against Flamengo. Gabriel Pec fractured the tibia in his left leg, while Sinisterra suffered a serious muscle injury in his left thigh.

And what is Flamengo’s situation like?

Flamengo, on the other hand, is hopeful of having an empty medical department for the match against Cruzeiro. Lucas Paquetá and Léo Ortiz are already back with the Rubro-Negro squad, while Luiz Araújo is still following his recovery schedule after a knee injury.

When will the Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro Libertadores matches take place?

The first match between the teams will take place next Wednesday (12), at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Mineirão. After that, the second and decisive clash between Flamengo and Cruzeiro will be the following week, on the 19th, at the same time, at Maracanã. Thus, the Rubro-Negro will have the support of the Nation as it looks to secure qualification.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Before thinking about Cruzeiro, however, Flamengo is focused on its next commitment of 2026. This Sunday (09), Leonardo Jardim’s team will face Vitória at 7:30 PM (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla brings you all the details of Flamengo in the 2026 season. So stay tuned to the website, social media, and YouTube. In addition, SporTV (subscription channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match against Vitória.

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