Victor Hugo has emerged as a potential concern for Atlético-MG following his substitution with discomfort during the team's 2-0 defeat against Grêmio. The forward, who started the match due to the absence of Borbas, Cassierra, and Reinier from muscle injuries, complained of pain in his right thigh and was replaced at halftime. He is scheduled to undergo medical examinations on Monday after the team arrives in Belo Horizonte.
Speaking in the mixed zone, Hugo described feeling discomfort in the posterior part of his leg. "I will have the exam tomorrow, but I hope it is nothing serious," he stated, emphasizing the need to work towards reversing the scoreline in the return match. The second leg against Grêmio is set for next Saturday at Arena MRV.
The team faces a busy schedule before the return fixture, with a match against Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday for the 35th round of the league. Beyond Hugo's injury, Atlético-MG also missed defender Ruan Tressoldi and midfielder Fred due to muscle issues. Although Everson was available after recovering from a foot fracture, coach Barba Domínguez opted to keep Gabriel Delfim as the starter.
The club expects to have Fred and Thiago Borbas available by next weekend's match. The team is currently navigating multiple critical competitions, including the Copa do Brasil semifinal, the Sudamericana final against Boca on the 21st, and the race for a Libertadores spot through the Brazilian Championship.
Sources: Globo Esporte.