Fluminense without Cano: who will step up at the Maracanã? | OneFootball

Flamengo and Fluminense are set for another meeting at the Maracanã this Sunday evening in the 15th round of the Brasileirão, with both sides coming in under very different circumstances, according to Lance.

For Fluminense, the build-up has been overshadowed by the absence of their leading scorer Germán Cano, who has not been included in the squad for the derby. Cano, the club’s top marksman with 15 goals in 30 appearances this year, was omitted without official explanation. His record against Flamengo stands out—he has found the net eight times against them in Brazil, though none of those goals have come in the last ten meetings. Also sidelined is Ganso, who is in recovery after a thigh muscle injury.

The likely void up front leaves manager Renato Gaúcho considering alternatives. John Kennedy, back from a loan spell at Pachuca, is available and could wear the number 99 shirt for his first appearance since returning from Mexico, potentially stepping into the starting lineup to lead the attack.

On Flamengo’s side, there is optimism around the possible return of striker Pedro following his recent absence, as highlighted by Lance in pre-match discussions. The team is eager to move past a disappointing result against Santos last time out, a defeat that extended a patchy run of form and triggered internal frustrations. Head coach Filipe Luís will welcome an attacking boost if Pedro is deemed fit, seeking to restore efficiency in front of goal.

Both squads have been under scrutiny after recent performances. Fluminense’s last league outing ended in a home defeat to Cruzeiro, a match also marked by Jhon Arias’ farewell as he left for Wolves. Despite that, Fluminense showed they could create chances, hitting the woodwork three times in the second half. Flamengo, meanwhile, come in looking to settle off-field distractions and restore composure at home.

Tactically, Flamengo enter as slight favourites in the eyes of local pundits, buoyed by home advantage and expectations that their forward line will regain its edge. Fluminense are anticipated to play with attacking intent, but without Cano, their ability to threaten in the final third comes under question. The openness of Fluminense’s approach could also leave them vulnerable to counterattacks, something Flamengo may look to exploit.

Sunday’s kickoff is scheduled for 19:30 local time at the Maracanã, in what promises to be a pivotal night for both clubs striving for a positive shift in the middle of the league campaign.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images