Grêmio call up 18-year-old Luís Eduardo amid defensive crisis for Bahia trip | OneFootball

Grêmio have drafted academy centre-back Luís Eduardo, 18, into the travelling group in Salvador, with the youngster expected to train on Friday and be available against Bahia on Sunday. According to Globo.com, Luís Castro moved to reinforce a back line hit by injuries.

The Portuguese coach lost Gustavo Martins and Balbuena during Thursday’s Copa do Brasil win over Confiança. The Paraguayan, suspected of a muscle injury, has already returned to Porto Alegre for tests.

Gustavo Martins came off near the end of the first half after a collision left him dizzy, and was replaced by Balbuena. Despite the scare, Castro believes Gustavo could feature at the weekend.

Balbuena played only the closing minutes of the first period and was withdrawn at half-time after feeling an issue linked to his hurried warm-up. Walter Kannemann then came on, but was sent off for a second yellow at 28 minutes of the second half, forcing midfielder Noriega to drop into defence.

Castro said Kannemann will be available for the next game, while Balbuena will not. Viery is the only guaranteed starter at the back after playing the full 90 minutes against Confiança.

Luís Eduardo, once captain of Brazil’s under-17s and a Grêmio player since under-13 level, hails from Corrente in southern Piauí. Wagner Leonardo is another option, although he has slipped down the pecking order and was not on the bench despite travelling.

Grêmio visit Bahia at 16:00 on Sunday at Arena Fonte Nova in the 16th round of the Brasileiro. The Gaúcho side sit 17th on 17 points, one behind Corinthians, and three shy of seventh-placed Bragantino.

Source: Globo.com