Fortaleza’s season on the line in the Clássico Rei | OneFootball

Fortaleza are preparing for a crucial stretch in their Série A campaign, with upcoming fixtures providing both challenges and opportunities to escape the relegation zone. According to Globo and NE45, Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s side will face Ceará on Sunday in the Clássico Rei at Castelão, with kick-off set for 20:30, followed by a home meeting with Bahia, and then an away fixture against Grêmio to round out July.

The Tricolor arrive at the derby with just ten points from twelve matches, sitting 18th in the standings. The mood around the squad has been sombre following a recent Copa do Nordeste exit at the hands of Bahia and a barren run that extends to eight games without victory in all competitions.

Squad depth and availability remain key concerns. Moisés, Bruno Pacheco, and David Luiz have all been flagged as likely absentees due to injury, as reported in Globo’s latest bulletin. The number of players at risk of suspension is also mounting, with defenders and midfielders such as David Luiz, Gustavo Mancha, Martínez, Zé Welison, Calebe, and Lucero only one booking away from missing subsequent matches.

However, preparations for the derby have been buoyed by the confirmation that forward Marinho will be available for selection. As recently reported by NE45 and confirmed by an auditor ruling, Marinho’s two-match suspension—imposed after his red card against Vasco da Gama—has been temporarily lifted, allowing him to feature until a new disciplinary hearing is set. The timing is welcome, as the club’s new signing from Argentinos Juniors, José Herrera, has also been cleared to debut, adding much-needed depth and tactical flexibility in attack.

Fortaleza’s tentative probable XI for the derby is João Ricardo in goal; a back four of Brítez, Kuscevic, Mancha, and Mancuso; a midfield trio of Lucas Sasha, Matheus Pereira, and Pochettino; with Breno Lopes, Pikachu, and Lucero forming the attacking line. Regulars such as Sasha, who extended his contract recently, are expected to play key leadership roles as the side looks to end their current winless spell against a Ceará team unbeaten in their last eight Clássico Rei encounters.

Once the derby is complete, Fortaleza will have a rare clear week before hosting Bahia on Saturday, 19 July. CBF has also confirmed the date for the subsequent away match against Grêmio, scheduled for 29 July at Arena do Grêmio.

With form, fitness, and discipline all under the microscope, Vojvoda’s squad face a defining period that could determine whether they remain in the relegation battle or spark a climb towards mid-table. The next three matches—in both local and national contexts—will test the depth, resilience, and resolve of Fortaleza’s dressing room.