Fortaleza’s injury nightmare strikes before derby | OneFootball

Fortaleza head into the Clássico Rei with a string of injury concerns compounding their recent struggles, as reported by Globo and Diário do Nordeste. Manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda faces notable absences, with three first-team players ruled out for Sunday night's derby against Ceará at Arena Castelão.

Key forward Moisés and defender David Luiz are both sidelined due to left hamstring injuries, while left-back Bruno Pacheco misses out with tendinitis in his right knee. The unavailability of this trio further depletes a Fortaleza squad that has already found itself short on depth and low on confidence after a winless run stretching eight matches across all competitions.

Preparations took another unexpected blow shortly before kick-off when first-choice goalkeeper João Ricardo was forced to withdraw during the warm-up, having sustained an injury to the little finger on his left hand. Fortaleza confirmed the setback, stating that João Ricardo is under evaluation by the club’s medical staff. His absence means Brenno steps into the starting XI, with Magrão named as reserve goalkeeper.

Beyond the injured contingent, the Tricolor also continue to manage a high disciplinary risk in their matchday squad, with several regulars a booking away from suspension, according to Globo's latest updates. However, the squad receives a slight boost, as winger Marinho—previously facing a two-match suspension—has been cleared to play following a temporary reprieve pending further disciplinary proceedings.

The club’s new Argentine striker, José Herrera, is available and could make his debut, providing Vojvoda with at least some added options amid a testing period. With the likes of Zé Welison fit and Marinho available, the coaching staff face a delicate balancing act as they attempt to stem the side’s poor form and ignite a turnaround.

Kick-off for the Clássico Rei is at 20:30 local time, where Fortaleza will look to cope with their injury setbacks and snap a difficult run, both in results and in derbies against their city rivals. As the squad battles on multiple fronts—form, fitness and discipline—this latest round of injuries puts even more pressure on Vojvoda and his shrinking pool of available players.

Original sources: Globo, Diário do Nordeste.