According to reports from Lance! and TNH1, the Flamengo squad faces significant absences as manager Leonardo Jardim prepares his team to face Cruzeiro at the Mineirão stadium on Wednesday, August 12, for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. The Rubro-Negro travel to Belo Horizonte without several key players due to injuries and physical management, forcing tactical adjustments ahead of the crucial knockout fixture.
Key Absences Impact Flamengo’s Lineup at Mineirão
According to Lance!, left-back Alex Sandro remains sidelined while recovering from right calf pain caused by tendinitis. Medical staff vetoed his travel to Belo Horizonte, meaning Ayrton Lucas will retain his spot in the starting XI, as corroborated by TNH1 reporting. In addition to Alex Sandro, forward Luiz Araújo is unavailable. While Nosso Fla notes that Araújo has advanced in his recovery from a right knee injury and resumed light field work with fitness coaches, Lance! and TNH1 confirm he is not yet physically ready to play.
Further compounding the squad challenges, forward Everton Cebolinha misses the match due to a bout of the flu. According to Nosso Fla, Cebolinha represents the most likely candidate among the ailing players to have returned if not for the illness, as his absence stems from a non-contact viral issue rather than a structural injury. Meanwhile, central defender Vitão returns to the matchday squad after missing the previous fixture with a left thigh injury, providing a welcome defensive boost for Jardim.
Tactical Dilemmas on the Right Flank and Midfield Management
With Luiz Araújo sidelined, Jardim faces tactical decisions on the right side of the pitch. According to Lance!, Varela is expected to start at right back—though Emerson Royal is also an option—while Gonzalo Plata and Carrascal compete for the role on the right wing. TNH1 adds that Plata previously held the starting spot before suffering right knee tendinitis prior to the World Cup, making his reintegration a primary consideration for the coaching staff.
Pro Tip: Squad rotation in continental knockout rounds often hinges on managing players returning from long-term injuries. Midfielder Lucas Paquetá is expected to begin on the bench as he is gradually reintroduced following his post-World Cup recovery, having logged substitute minutes in a recent 2-0 win over Vitória, per Lance! data.
Expected Starting XI and Squad Additions
Based on projections from Lance! and TNH1, the probable Flamengo starting lineup features Rossi in goal; Varela (or Emerson Royal), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas across the backline; a midfield trio of Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta; with an attack composed of Carrascal (or Plata), Pedro, and Samuel Lino.
Among the traveling reserves highlighted by TNH1 is 20-year-old midfielder Lorran. The young playmaker rejoined the squad following a loan spell with Italian club Pisa and earned consideration during the team’s intertest period.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the match between Cruzeiro and Flamengo?
The match takes place on Wednesday, August 12, at 21:30 (Brasília time) at the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, according to Lance! and TNH1.
Why is Alex Sandro not playing for Flamengo?
According to TNH1 and Nosso Fla, left-back Alex Sandro is sidelined due to tendinitis and pain in his right calf, which led the medical department to withhold him from the travel roster.
Is Lucas Paquetá starting the match?
According to Lance!, Paquetá is expected to begin the match on the substitute bench as the coaching staff continues to manage his physical return following the World Cup.
What are your expectations for Flamengo’s tactical setup against Cruzeiro? Leave a comment below and share your analysis on how the team can overcome these key absences.