Atlético request Alonso and Franco released for the derby

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·9 ottobre 2025

Atlético request Alonso and Franco released for the derby

Atlético announced on Thursday (9th) that it has sent official requests to the Paraguayan and Ecuadorian federations for the release of players Junior Alonso and Alan Franco, respectively, from the second matches of this FIFA Date. The club's aim is to have both starters in the classic against Cruzeiro, which takes place next Wednesday (15th), at 9:30 pm, at Arena MRV, for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship.

According to a note released by the club, the request was made by the football department, through CSO Paulo Bracks, directly to the Paraguayan Football Association and the Ecuadorian Football Federation.

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The friendlies in question are scheduled for October 14: Ecuador faces Mexico in Guadalajara, while Paraguay takes on South Korea in Seoul.

Atlético argues that if the athletes participate in these matches, there would not be enough time for them to return to Belo Horizonte before the clash with Cruzeiro. Thus, the intention is for both to report to the clubs after the first friendly, ensuring their presence in the regional duel.

Check out the statement released by the club in full:

The football department of Atlético, through CSO Paulo Bracks, has sent letters to the Paraguayan Football Association and the Ecuadorian Football Federation requesting the release of defender Junior Alonso and midfielder Alan Franco, respectively, from the call-ups for the ongoing FIFA Date. The Galo's request is for the athletes to be released from the second friendly scheduled for each of these selections, both on October 14: Mexico x Ecuador, in Guadalajara; and South Korea x Paraguay, in Seoul. The request is justified by the fact that both athletes, if they participate in the second friendly, would not have enough time to return and play in the classic next Wednesday (15/10), at Arena MRV, for the Brasileirão.

With significant absences in the defensive sector, coach Jorge Sampaoli awaits a positive response from the federations to be able to set up his team for the duel against Cruzeiro.

If he cannot count on the two athletes, Sampaoli will likely have problems setting up his team. The list of absences is long, and includes names such as Lyanco, Cuello, Patrick and Alexsander, all in the DM, as well as Igor Gomes and Vitor Hugo, suspended. In addition to them, the list may still increase, as forward Rony, with edema in the right thigh adductor, is undergoing treatment in the club's physiotherapy and defender Ivan Román, with pain in the left hand due to trauma, will be reassessed as soon as he returns to Belo Horizonte, and may undergo surgery.

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