The head of the medical department of Flamengo, José Luiz Runcocriticized the hiring and physical condition of Nicolás de la Cruz in a group of WhatsApp between former leaders and club counselors. The discussion was after the absence of the player among those related to the classic against Fluminense, last Sunday (20).
According to information gathered by GE, Runco stated in the group “Flamengo Barra” that The athlete has injuries on both kneesone of them being irreparable. In addition, he stated that a possible sale would only be feasible if the club interested in seeking him for reasons other than field performance.
– Dear John. Good afternoon. I will try to pass the situation of La Cruz. Player bought in another management, without the slightest condition, as it has a chronic and irreparable injury to the right knee, and an injury also in the left knee. As we are Bipedes, we have difficulties in balance and muscle balance if any member is already affected. We are trying to do our best so that he can participate, but it is very complicated. And as for the sale, Only if there is any club that is interested in another reason and not to play competitive football. Yours sincerely. Wrote the doctor.
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Chronic lesions and complicated recovery
De la Cruz had no recovery considered adequate after the game against Santos and ended up out of training During the week before the classic with Fluminense. He entered the second half against Santos, but was unable to act again.
Therefore, it was not related to the match or the duel against Bragantino, which will be held on Wednesday (23).
Same without a specific diagnosed injury Recently, the clinical picture of the Uruguayan is considered delicate. According to GE, it has a right knee problem that overloads the left due to postural compensation, and hinders complete recovery.
Before arriving in Flamengo, the player has gone through four surgeries throughout the career: Three on the right knee and one on the left.
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Historic De La Cruz No Flamengo
De La Cruz’s arrival at Flamengo was a long process, as River Plate refused to negotiate the player for smaller values. In addition, the red-black had to pay the rescue fine in sight.
The total investment came to R $ 102.074 millionwith about R $ 92 million in federative rights and gloves, as well as more than R $ 9 million in intermediations, in the management of Rodolfo Landim.
Hired in early 2024, from La Cruz played 61 matches for Flamengobeing holder in 54 of them. In the club, he won the 2024 Brazilian Cup, the Brazilian Super Cup 2025 and the Cariocas 2024 and 2025 championships.
In 2025, he participated in 20 games, including a series of eight consecutive matches as a starter between March 8 and April 13. In 2024, he played more than 3,000 minutes, the largest game load since the club’s beginning.
Non -flamengo cross numbers
- 2 seasons (2024 and 2025)
- 61 Games
- 3 goals
- 6 Assistance
- 4 titles (Copa do Brasil 2024, Carioca Championship 2024 and 2025 and Super Copa Rei 2025)
