Cruzeiro v Flamengo: how new Libertadores rule puts Gerson and Matheus Pereira at risk | OneFootball

Cruzeiro face Flamengo on Wednesday in the first leg of the Libertadores last 16 at Mineirão, with Gerson and Matheus Pereira one caution from a ban for the Maracanã return.

Globo.com reports that Article 3.8.2 of the 2026 Libertadores Clubs Manual resets yellow cards only after the quarter-finals, whereas last year they were cleared before the last 16.

Both midfielders are on two bookings. Gerson has been at risk since matchday three of the group stage, and although he was sent off with a straight red against Boca Juniors on matchday five, his yellow count still applies. Matheus Pereira was booked against Barcelona de Guayaquil and Universidad Católica.

Cruzeiro were without the pair against Botafogo in the Brasileirão and suffered their only defeat post-World Cup. Against Mirassol, the team scored twice without them on the pitch, with Gerson rested and Matheus Pereira withdrawn before Kaio Jorge and Wesley scored.

Matheus Henrique will start on two yellows, replacing the suspended Lucas Romero, with right-back Fagner also banned. Néiser Villarreal is likewise on two cautions but misses out through a muscle injury and will not be involved against Flamengo.

Source: Globo.com

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