Saúl reveals when he expects to play for Flamengo again in 2026 | OneFootball

When Should Saúl Wear the Flamengo Jersey Again?

Saúl Ñíguez is the major absence for Flamengo at the start of this season. That's because, in January, the Spaniard underwent surgery on his left heel and is currently recovering with the Medical Department. Despite this, the midfielder is aiming for an early return to Mengão.

— I'm feeling good after the surgery. It's been five days since I left the crutches. We're taking it slowly with the boot. At first, I'll spend another four weeks with the boot, but, talking to the doctors, I believe I'll be able to return to the field earlier and help the team — he said, before concluding:

— I really want to help and be with them. I'm feeling good, the recovery is going well and I'm in great hands. Everyone is working day and night to get me back. It's important to be here with the team, available or not. I am an asset of Flamengo. Being here is an obligation for me — concluded Saúl.

Why Did Saúl Undergo Surgery?

Saúl began experiencing heel pain at the end of the 2025 season. However, the midfielder opted for conservative treatment to be able to play in the decisive matches of the Libertadores and the Brasileirão.

Thus, at the end of the season, Saúl spoke with the Medical Department of Flamengo and they both decided to proceed with heel surgery. The athlete, therefore, underwent the procedure in Spain and has already started treatment to return to the field.

What Are Saúl's Stats at Flamengo?

Saúl joined Flamengo in July 2025, on a free transfer, after terminating his contract with Atlético de Madrid (ESP). In total, the midfielder played 24 matches wearing the red-black jersey, recording two assists. In addition, the Spaniard was part of the squads that won the Brasileirão and the Libertadores titles.

What Is Flamengo's Next Match?

Meanwhile, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (07) to face Sampaio Corrêa, for the sixth round of the Campeonato Carioca. Thus, the match kicks off at 9:00 PM (Brasília time), at Maracanã. It's worth noting that the Rubro-Negro is in a delicate situation in the State Championship.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details about the match between Flamengo and Sampaio Corrêa through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, SporTV (cable channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the Carioca match.

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