Forward John Kennedy is confirmed out for Fluminense in the knockout stage of the Libertadores after suffering a knee injury during the derby against Vasco.
Fluminense‘s medical department faces a significant concern for the remainder of the season. Forward John Kennedy, a key player in coach Luís Zubeldía‘s system, suffered a right knee sprain during the recent match against Vasco da Gama. With the injury confirmed, the player is ruled out for the two decisive games against Independiente Rivadavia, in the round of 16 of the Libertadores.
John Kennedy‘s absence adds to a list of unavailable players that already included defenders Freytes and Thiago Silva. According to Equipe M360, the minimum estimated recovery time is ten days, making his immediate participation in the continental tournament impossible.
Squad Options for the Tricolor
With an open spot in the attack, coach Zubeldía will need to reassess his alternatives. Veteran Hulk is one of the candidates, although he is experiencing a moment of instability and pressure from the Tricolor fans. In addition to him, Argentinians Germán Cano and Rodrigo Castillo emerge as technical options to fill the gap in the offensive sector and maintain the team’s competitiveness in the home and away matches against the Argentinians.
Focus on the Brasileirão
Despite the blow from the injury, Fluminense has no time to dwell on it. After the recent elimination in the Copa do Brasil, the squad is focusing its energy on the 22nd round of the Brazilian Serie A. The Tricolor team faces Botafogo this Saturday (08), at 9 PM, at the Nilton Santos Stadium.
The match is vital for the club’s ambitions, as they currently sit in fourth place in the standings with 34 points. The opponent, under the command of Franclim Carvalho, seeks to close the gap in the G-6, occupying eighth place with 29 points. The performance in this derby will be an important thermometer to assess how the team will react to the physical and emotional wear accumulated in recent days.
Equipe M360
