De la Cruz expected to be recalled by Flamengo after muscle pain setback | OneFootball

De la Cruz has been absent from Flamengo’s squads since the World Cup, including the 1-1 draw with São Paulo, after feeling muscle pain in training.

According to Globo.com, head coach Leonardo Jardim said the Uruguayan suffered the issue during strength work with the medical department, which limited him for about seven days and kept him out on Sunday.

Jardim added that De la Cruz returned from the World Cup and 10 days of leave in good condition, then felt the pain during that session. The midfielder played all three of Uruguay’s matches at the tournament and has attracted interest from Peñarol during this window.

By contrast, defender Léo Ortiz was omitted for technical reasons after only two training sessions following a right thigh injury sustained on 30 May against Coritiba. Jardim said he wanted to avoid the risk of a setback and noted Léo Pereira and Alex have also had recent physical issues.

De la Cruz is expected to be named in the squad for Internacional on Wednesday at 19:30, Brasília time, at Beira-Rio. The travelling list is due on Tuesday after the afternoon session at Ninho do Urubu, with the delegation flying to Porto Alegre at night.

Source: Globo.com