Fluminense name rotated squad to face Operário in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

With changes to the squad, Fluminense confirmed the list of players called up for this Thursday’s (23) clash against Operário-PR, in the first leg of the fifth round of the 2026 Copa do Brasil. The match will be played at 9:30 p.m. at Germano Krüger Stadium, in Paraná.

The main feature of the squad selection is coach Luis Zubeldía’s choice of a not-so-alternative lineup, keeping some of the regular starters. Important names were left out of the trip, such as Savarino and defensive midfielder Bernal, both due to load management. The defensive sector, however, will be changed, with the possible debut of Colombian center-back Millán standing out.

The tendency is for Fluminense to take the field with: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Ignácio, Millán and Renê; Martinelli, Hércules and PH Ganso (or Alisson); Serna, Canobbio and Castillo, with John Kennedy emerging as an option in attack.

In addition to the absences due to physical wear and tear, the club is also dealing with players sidelined in the medical department. Midfielder Lucho Acosta is still being treated for a ligament injury in his left knee, while Matheus Reis is recovering from surgery on his right knee. Germán Cano, meanwhile, is dealing with a muscle injury in his right thigh.

Other players are in transition or having their minutes managed, such as Nonato and Soteldo, as well as Savarino and Bernal themselves, which helps explain the choice of an alternative lineup for this first knockout-round match.

The strategy is clear: manage the squad amid a heavy run of matches and arrive in full condition for the upcoming commitments, even if that means going without full strength away from home.

Check out the squad list:

Goalkeepers:Fábio, Marcelo Pitaluga, Vitor Eudes

Full-backs:Guga, Samuel Xavier, Guilherme Arana, Renê, Júlio Fidélis

Center-backs:Ignácio, Freytes, Igor Rabello, Jemmes, Millán

Midfielders:Alisson, Hércules, Martinelli, Otávio, PH Ganso, Riquelme

Forwards:Canobbio, Serna, John Kennedy, Castillo, Wesley Nata

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