Cruzeiro’s backup goalkeeper Léo Aragão will miss Saturday’s Brasileirão match against Internacional due to a trauma to the fifth finger of his right hand suffered in training at Toca da Raposa II. Otávio steps in to replace Aragão, while Cássio remains the first-choice keeper for the Celeste.
The club announced Aragão’s injury and the update on his contract extension, confirming he will remain with Cruzeiro through December 2027.
Cruzeiro’s starting XI for the game at Mineirão against Internacional: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki Bruno; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian, Matheus Pereira; Wanderson, Kaio Jorge.
The team, led by coach Leonardo Jardim, has not won in their last two fixtures, coming off a draw away to Mirassol. They sit third in the standings with 38 points. A win over Internacional would boost their position in the table, with Palmeiras—who lead by a point but have two games in hand—facing Sport at home on Monday.
Summary and context:
– Léo Aragão is out with a finger injury; Otávio starts, Cássio remains in goal.
– Aragão’s contract has been extended to December 2027.
– Cruzeiro aims to rebound after a two-match winless run, seeking to tighten the battle for a higher finish.
– The lineup shows a traditional 4-4-2 setup, balancing defensive solidity with attacking options from Wanderson and Kaio Jorge.
Optional notes:
– The injury update highlights the squad’s depth in goal, with Otávio stepping in and Cássio continuing as starter.
– The contract extension signals club commitment to younger players and long-term stability as Cruzeiro contends for the Brasileirão top spots.
– Fans will want to watch how Cruzeiro adapts without Aragão and whether the defense can hold firm against a Internacional side looking to climb the table.
Positive angle:
– The extension for Léo Aragão suggests confidence in Cruzeiro’s development pipeline and a stable path for goalkeeper rotation in the coming seasons, which can bolster team morale and fan optimism.
If you’d like, I can add a brief pre-match outlook, potential tactical changes, and a post-match implications section depending on the result.