Coluna do Fla
·31. Juli 2025
Saúl named in squad for Flamengo v Atlético-MG clash in Copa do Brasil

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Yahoo sportsColuna do Fla
·31. Juli 2025
Even though he hasn’t played since May, Saúl Ñíguez could make his debut wearing the Flamengo jersey this Thursday (31), against Atlético-MG, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16. The information was revealed by the 30-year-old midfielder himself, in an interview with the Spanish press.
— I came to the craziest club in Brazil, the one with the most fans, the one with the most pressure. But I like challenges, going to a club and being able to help. I like the goals they have here, I want to help Flamengo. I haven’t played for three months, but I’ve been training for five days and tomorrow (Thursday) I’m called up. It’s crazy, but, like everything — said Saúl, to Rádio COPE, during an interview this Wednesday (30).
Saúl was cleared in the Daily Information Bulletin of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) this Wednesday (30). That is, in time to be registered for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Even though he has only been with Flamengo since last Tuesday (22), the Spanish midfielder is already set for the decisive match.
If he takes the field against Atlético-MG, Saúl is not expected to play many minutes. After all, the midfielder hasn’t played since May 13 of this year, when he played 14 minutes in Sevilla’s (ESP) win over Las Palmas (ESP). Since then, the midfielder has been on vacation and did not take part in pre-season. Coach Filipe Luís himself, in an interview on Sunday (27), spoke about the player’s physical condition.
— Saúl hasn’t played since May, but he’s been training without the ball, conditioning, he just needs more training. Saúl, I see him in all midfield positions, he will add a lot of quality, he’s a very competitive guy, he scores goals, is very good in the air, and has great individual technical quality — said the coach.
With Saúl available, Flamengo faces Atlético-MG starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Thursday (31), at Maracanã. The match will be broadcast on SporTV (cable) and Premiere (pay-per-view). However, Coluna do Fla will provide full coverage of the round of 16 clash in the Copa do Brasil.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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