Cruzeiro Faces Uberlândia in Crucial Mineiro Clash Amid Key Absences

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil — Cruzeiro will face Uberlândia in a pivotal Campeonato Mineiro match on Sunday at Mineirão Stadium, but the team will be without key players Kaio Jorge, Lautaro Diaz, and Marlon due to injuries and preventive measures. Interim coach Wesley Carvalho is expected to field a lineup similar to the one that secured a 4-1 victory over Itabirito in the previous round.

The absences of Marlon, who is recovering from tonsillitis, and Kaio Jorge and Lautaro Diaz, who are undergoing strength and balance training to prevent injuries, have forced Carvalho to adjust his strategy. Kaiki will retain his position at left-back, while the attacking trio of Marquinhos, Dudu, and Gabigol is likely to lead the charge.

Kaio Jorge, who suffered a muscle injury in November 2023, has been on a specialized training regimen since the preseason. Lautaro Diaz, meanwhile, has been managing his workload to avoid recurring issues that sidelined him last year. Carvalho emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive edge despite the absences, stating, “We have players who are ready to step up and deliver.”

Uberlândia, under new coach Marcelo Caranhato, is aiming to secure at least a draw to stay within reach of the group leaders. The team will be without Victor Feitosa, Watson Pires, and Renan Mota due to injuries. Caranhato expressed confidence in his squad, saying, “We know it will be a challenge, but we believe in our work and our ability to compete.”

Cruzeiro currently leads Group C with seven points, while Uberlândia sits at the bottom of Group A with six points. The match is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the semifinals of the state championship.

In addition to the on-field action, Cruzeiro is finalizing negotiations with Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim, who is expected to take over the team soon. Jardim, currently with Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, has been closely monitoring the team’s progress and is set to arrive in Belo Horizonte next week.

The integration of young players from Cruzeiro’s under-20 team continues, with Kauã Prates and others participating in training sessions. This strategy aims to build depth and prepare the next generation of talent for future challenges.

As the teams prepare for Sunday’s clash, fans are eagerly anticipating a high-stakes encounter that could shape the trajectory of their respective seasons.