Good and bad news: Flamengo medical team updates on Léo Ortiz and Saúl | OneFootball

Flamengo called a press conference this Monday (12) to update the status of the players

The main squad of Flamengo kicked off the season this Monday (12), returning to Ninho do Urubu. The club's doctors gave an interview at the Training Center with updates on the players who suffered physical problems at the end of 2025. The doctors spoke about Léo Ortiz and Saúl.

— (About Léo Ortiz) an athlete we kept in touch with during the holidays, he is no longer experiencing complaints in his ankle. We did tests today and he felt no pain, even during a very intense treadmill exam. Before, it was extremely painful for him to run at high intensity, but now he had no complaints. Clear signs of a good recovery, and according to the tests, he is doing well. We will monitor any complaints that may arise — explained Flamengo doctor Fernando Sassaki.

Léo Ortiz was injured at the end of October. Because of this, the defender missed the first match of the Libertadores semifinal, played through pain in the second leg against Racing (ARG), and was on the bench against Palmeiras in the final. Afterwards, the number 3 played in the quarterfinals and the final of the Club World Cup. Now, the ‘Sheriff’ is fully fit for 2026.

HOW IS THE SPANIARD SAÚL?

Saúl underwent surgery in Spain after finishing 2025 playing through pain in his Achilles tendon. Unlike Léo Ortiz, the midfielder is expected to be out for two to three months. The procedure was successful, and the number 8 is racing against time to be fit before the debut in the Libertadores in April.

— (Saúl) is an extremely professional athlete and, towards the end of the year, began to feel pain in his left heel, which started to affect his performance and quality of life, it was bothering him. We did local procedures, oral medication, so he could play throughout the year. At the end of the season, it was something we were already discussing in case it didn’t improve with conservative treatment — commented Sassaki.

— He already has some trusted people in Spain, and chose to be treated by Dr. Niek van Dijk, who is a reference, a very experienced surgeon, and who has already given us feedback, informing that everything went well. He is now in post-operative treatment. Normally, it is expected to be cleared to return in two to three weeks, which is when the stitches are removed. Saúl will stay there because of this. After evaluation, he will return to the club to begin physiotherapy treatment — the doctor concluded.

DID THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT TALK ABOUT ANY OTHER PLAYER?

In addition to Ortiz and Saúl, the Flamengo medical department also updated the situations of Pedro, Danilo, and Arrascaeta. The number 9 is 100% after breaking his arm and suffering a serious thigh injury at the end of last year. On the other hand, the defender will receive special attention this January and is preparing for the Supercup on the 1st, due to knee pain. Finally, the Uruguayan also has no issues.

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