Crespo cleared, São Paulo boosted by trio return ahead of Flamengo | OneFootball

São Paulo have stepped up preparations ahead of their clash with Flamengo, with several important updates emerging from Barra Funda, according to UOL and Arquibancada Tricolor.

Monday’s training session brought relief on the injury front as Lucas Moura and Ferreirinha both joined full training after overcoming fitness issues. Lucas had been sidelined with a posterior knee capsule strain, while Ferreirinha was recovering from a plantar fascia injury in his left foot. Both attackers completed regular work alongside the main squad, putting themselves back in contention for Saturday’s match at Maracanã.

Defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo also made strides in his return. Diagnosed earlier with pulmonary thromboembolism, he participated in his first ball work session, though his involvement is still tailored with no-impact exercises as part of his recovery phase. Another player, Lucas Ferreira, managed only individualized exercises on the pitch while experiencing hip discomfort, working under the supervision of club physiotherapists.

On the technical side, the squad split into groups for a blend of muscle-strengthening, speed drills, and positional play. Part of the squad focused on small-sided possession in tight spaces, while others worked on construction of play, passing exchanges, wide deliveries, and finishing. Later, four mini-sides rotated through short-field competitive scenarios, sharpening the team’s readiness for the return to league action.

A major shift has taken place on the bench, with Hernán Crespo officially cleared to lead São Paulo. The Argentine coach had already been active at training, but with his registration now published in the CBF’s daily bulletin—finalized after Luis Zubeldía’s contractual departure—Crespo is eligible to return to the São Paulo touchline. The upcoming fixture against Flamengo marks Crespo’s first in his new spell in charge following his Paulista Championship triumph during his previous tenure.

São Paulo currently sit 14th in the league table with 12 points, just outside the relegation zone. Saturday’s fixture therefore represents both a tactical test and an opportunity for a reset following the recent international break and coaching change.

The group will resume training on Tuesday morning as the technical staff continue to assess physical conditions and fine-tune the squad, seeking a positive start to Crespo’s new era.

(Sources: UOL, Arquibancada Tricolor)

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