Saúl’s return for Flamengo depends on Leonardo Jardim | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim should only decide the squad list on Thursday (16)

Flamengo is preparing to face Independiente Medellín (COL) this Thursday (16). For the second-round match of the Libertadores group stage, coach Leonardo Jardim may have Saúl back available.

In fact, Saúl’s return to the pitch for Flamengo currently depends on the Rubro-Negro coach. That is because the midfielder has completed the transition phase and is now under Leonardo Jardim’s coaching staff.

That being the case, if the Portuguese manager sees fit, he could include Saúl in the squad for Flamengo’s next match. It is worth noting that the Spaniard has not played yet in 2026, as he was recovering from heel surgery.

Why did Saúl undergo surgery?

Saúl began dealing with heel pain in the final stretch of the 2025 season. However, the midfielder chose conservative treatment so he could play in the decisive matches of the Libertadores and the Brasileirão.

However, at the end of the season, Saúl spoke with Flamengo’s Medical Department, and together they decided to perform surgery on the Spaniard’s heel. The player therefore underwent the procedure in Spain at the beginning of January and has not taken the field for the Sacred Mantle since the end of 2025.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Still without knowing whether Saúl will be available or not, Flamengo face Independiente Medellín in the second round of the Copa Libertadores group stage this Thursday (16). The match kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã.

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