Six Flamengo players are one yellow card away from suspension, risking absence for the classic match against Botafogo.
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro this Saturday (22) at the Mineirão stadium, in the 24th round of the Brazilian Serie A, with special attention on the number of players at risk. Six players are currently carrying two yellow cards, meaning another booking would result in an automatic suspension for the following match. The situation is further complicated by six other confirmed absences, including injuries and tactical decisions, which are impacting the coach’s lineup.
Suspension risks and absences weigh on Mengão
For Flamengo, the list of players at risk includes key names such as Bruno Henrique, Erick Pulgar, Everton Cebolinha, Lucas Paquetá, Luiz Araújo, and Plata. Missing any of these players through suspension for the match against Botafogo at the Maracanã in the 25th round would be a significant blow. The situation for Cebolinha and Vitão is specific, as neither player is traveling to Belo Horizonte.
The medical department continues to manage Alex Sandro, De La Cruz, and Vitão. Léo Pereira was rested, while Wallace Yan and Everton Cebolinha were excluded by the coach’s choice, adding to the list of those unavailable for other reasons.
Cruzeiro’s situation heading into the Flamengo clash
Cruzeiro also faces its own concerns for the matchup. The team will be without Jonathan Jesus, who is suspended, and the injured Gabriel Pec and Sinisterra. The list of players at risk of suspension for the team from Minas Gerais includes Fabrício Bruno, Kauã Moraes, Lucas Silva, Lucas Villalba, and Otávio. A third yellow card for any of them would rule them out of the match against Vasco.
Team analysis and projections
Despite the absences and suspension concerns, the Flamengo squad remains confident. According to the M360 Team analysis, the depth of the roster allows the team to cover these absences without a significant drop in performance.
Leonardo Jardim stated:
Currently, Flamengo fans aren’t too worried about players being at risk of suspension, given the quality of the squad. If Lino picks up his third yellow, there’s Bruno Henrique to step in. If Pulgar is out, there’s Evertton Araújo and Paquetá to fill the void.
The assessment extends to the injury-related absences:
Leonardo Jardim stated:
The same reasoning applies to the injured players. Léo Pereira is out, but Danilo, who started in the last World Cup, steps in. Alex Sandro remains sidelined, but Ayrton Lucas is in great form. Flamengo is fully capable of beating Cruzeiro even with these setbacks.
The match between Cruzeiro and Flamengo will be broadcast exclusively on the streaming service Prime Video. The clash is crucial for both sides as they pursue their objectives in the Brazilian Serie A, with Flamengo aiming to maintain their lead and the Minas Gerais side looking to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Mengão’s next commitment after this game will be at home against their rival Botafogo, in a classic that promises high stakes.
