Bahia Faces Injury Challenges Ahead of Match Against Cruzeiro

Salvador, Brazil, April 16, 2025 — The Bahia football team wrapped up preparations Wednesday for their crucial match against Cruzeiro, set for 9:30 p.m. local time Thursday at the Mineirão stadium as part of the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Coach Rogério Ceni conducted two training sessions focused on tactical strategies for the game. During the preparation, players reviewed a video analyzing their recent 1-1 draw against Mirassol. The team then engaged in tactical drills followed by practice on free kicks and penalties.

Unfortunately for Bahia, Ceni must navigate multiple key injuries. Central defenders Kanu and Gabriel Xavier are sidelined, and left-back Iago Borduchi along with midfielder Michel Araujo are undergoing physical and technical rehabilitation. Forward Lucho Rodríguez, recovering from muscle fatigue, has traveled with the team but remains uncertain for Thursday’s match.

With a string of injury issues, Ceni is expected to modify the starting lineup to field more rested players. Potential new inclusions could be midfielders Cauly and Erick. The expected lineup includes: Ronaldo; Santiago Arias (Gilberto); David Duarte, Ramos Mingo, and Luciano Juba (Rezende); Caio Alexandre, Jean Lucas (Erick), and Everton Ribeiro; Cauly (Ademir), Erick Pulga, and Willian José.

Bahia aims to secure its first victory in the league after three consecutive draws against Corinthians, Santos, and Mirassol, which has left them seeking to move away from the relegation zone.

“We need to win to turn our season around,” Ceni stated. “The players are motivated, and we’re working hard to find the right solutions under the current circumstances.”

As the team departs for Belo Horizonte, the urgency to change their fortunes grows. Their next challenge under the spotlight of the Brazilian top league kicks off this evening, testing the mettle of the Bahia squad amid ongoing challenges.