Following a goalless draw against Corinthians in the Brazilian Championship, Fluminense is already directing its attention to the crucial clash against Grêmio, valid for the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores.
According to information published by the Globo Esporte portal, the Carioca Tricolor will conclude its preparation on Monday (19) with a final training session at the Carlos Castilho training center before facing the tough task of overturning the deficit at Maracanã.
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Key reinforcements
According to the website ge.com, Fluminense will benefit from the crucial returns of Ganso and Arias, both pillars of the Carioca team and leaders in assists this season, each with six goal passes.
Their absence was felt
The absence of the duo was noticeable in the match against Corinthians, where the Tricolor displayed a significant lack of creativity, resulting in few real scoring chances, such as Kauã Elias’s header saved by Hugo Souza. Lima also squandered another opportunity in the final moments of the game.
Ganso, in addition to being the conductor of the Tricolor midfield, scored four decisive goals this season, while Arias, the team’s top scorer in 2024 with seven goals, had his absence during the Copa América associated with the worst phase for Fluminense this year, culminating in a streak of six defeats and the dismissal of Fernando Diniz.
Flu continues with important absences
Mano Menezes will have the responsibility of defining the team that faces Grêmio, with the final training scheduled for 9:30 AM (Brasilia time) on Monday (19). Nonato and Serna, who returned in the match against Corinthians, are available for the Libertadores.
The Tricolor fans are eagerly awaiting updates on Marquinhos, Cano, and Marcelo, who are still transitioning to training with the group. Martinelli, who missed the match against Corinthians due to a bone edema in his ankle, trained last Sunday (18) and could be an option for the match.
On the other hand, Fluminense will not have Alexsander, who moved to Saudi Arabia, and Diogo Barbosa, who is recovering from a meniscus injury. Renato Augusto, with thigh pain, has started treatment, while Ignácio, who left the field against Corinthians with knee pain, remains a doubt for the decisive game.
What does Fluminense need to advance?
With a 2-1 defeat in the first leg, Fluminense needs to win by two goals to secure direct qualification to the quarter-finals. A victory by one goal will lead to penalties, while Grêmio advances with a draw or win.
