Fluminense are hoping to recover several injured players for the decisive final stretch of the Brasileirão. Most of the squad is available to coach Marcão, but Martinelli and Millán remain sidelined, alongside other players at different stages of rehabilitation.
Colombian centre-back Millán is considered the most likely to feature before the end of 2026. The club said he suffered a grade-two injury to his right adductor during the second leg against Palmeiras in the Libertadores, with an estimated recovery time of four to six weeks. He had previously returned ahead of schedule after a more serious, grade-three injury following the World Cup break. Fluminense hope he can soon rejoin the squad and partner Thiago Silva.
Midfielder Martinelli faces a less certain return. He injured his knee in the first leg against Palmeiras and underwent surgery after the club diagnosed a sprain and a meniscus problem. His published recovery estimate is six weeks, though Fluminense’s timelines are often conservative. He could still return late in the season, particularly if the club are competing for a place in the Brasileirão’s top five. If the team’s position allows, the club may take a more gradual approach to his return.
Alisson, who has not played much this season, could provide another option in midfield. Marcão has three available players for the position: Hércules, Nonato and Otávio, with young Ruan Sales also having been called up at times. Alisson has no set recovery date for his hip problem, and his future at Fluminense is uncertain; the club is not expected to activate the purchase option on his loan from São Paulo.
Forward Matheus Reis is less likely to feature. He played early in the year under coach Zubeldía in the Campeonato Carioca but has spent almost the entire season out after another serious knee injury. He has begun the transition back to on-field work and is expected to train with the first team soon, though Fluminense have several other attacking options.
Fluminense are due to visit Vitória in Salvador on Friday at 8 p.m. The match begins the team’s final five commitments of the season. Fluminense are fourth and seeking a place in the Brasileirão’s top five.
Sources: Globo Esporte.