Fluminense has announced their starting lineup for Tuesday’s Copa do Brasil clash against Operário at the Maracanã. After a goalless draw in the first leg, a win by any margin will secure the Tricolor’s place in the next round.
John Kennedy, who has been the team’s standout performer in recent matches, returns to the starting eleven. Full-backs Guga and Arana also reclaim their positions, alongside Canobbio and Freytes.
The confirmed lineup is: Fábio; Guga, Jemmes, Freytes, Arana; Hércules, Nonato, Acosta; Savarino, Canobbio, and John Kennedy.
Striker Cano is back in training following injury but is still building up match fitness. After missing the previous match against Vitória due to a viral illness, Ganso has been included in the squad. Midfielder Martinelli continues to recover from a thigh injury and has started individual sessions on the pitch.
Fluminense currently sits third in the Brasileirão Série A with 27 points from 15 games, level on points with Flamengo but trailing on goal difference, and seven points behind leaders Palmeiras.
The team’s recent form has been concerning, with only two wins in their last ten matches across the Brasileirão, Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil. That run includes a 2-0 loss to Internacional at Beira-Rio, a 2-0 defeat to Bolívar in La Paz, and a 1-1 draw with Independiente Rivadavia in Mendoza, where John Kennedy scored a late equalizer to avoid a third consecutive continental loss. Last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Vitória at the Maracanã was particularly costly, as Fluminense came from behind but needed a 90th-minute goal from Kevin Serna to salvage a point.
