Fluminense suffered a defeat in the Copa Libertadores. On Tuesday (13), the current champion of América was overcome by Grêmio by a score of 2-1 in the first leg of the competition's round of 16. © Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF Ganso and Arias are out of Fluminense vs Corinthians. Now, the Tricolor changes its focus back to the Brazilian Championship, where they still face a delicate situation. In the relegation zone with 20 points, Flu occupies the 18th position in the table and has a direct confrontation against Corinthians. The opponent of Fluminense has one point more than the Tricolor, and they face each other in the so-called "six-pointer" game, starting at 9 pm at the Maracanã, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.
Fluminense is dealing with a series of absences, either due to injury or suspension. The headache is all for coach Mano Menezes, who will have to juggle to field the team against Corinthians. Mano himself will not be on the sidelines at Maracanã this Saturday; the coach received the third yellow card and will not be able to lead the team, being replaced by his assistant Sidnei Lobo. Midfielders Paulo Henrique Ganso and Jhon Arias, both also suspended, will be absent. Other absences are due to injuries. Midfielder Martinelli, with a problem in his left ankle, is out of the game, as well as full-backs Marcelo and Diogo Barbosa.
Other players remain in doubt for the match, as they are in the physical transition period. This is the case for midfielder Nonato, midfielder Kevin Serna, and forwards Marquinhos and Germán Cano. Given this scenario, the probable Fluminense to face Corinthians at Maracanã is: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Thiago Santos, and Esquerdinha; André, Bernal, Alexsander, and Lima; Keno and Kauã Elias. Reactions from the Fluminense fans on the web.