The absences of Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge in Cruzeiro’s starting lineup against Democrat-GV are not a cause for alarm, but rather part of careful planning by Tite’s technical committee for 2026.
Aiming at the physical longevity of the squad in a long season, the coach chose to rotate the squad in the 4th round of the Campeonato Mineiro. The decision temporarily removes the midfield “maestro” and Raposa’s goal man from the scene to give way to talents that ask for passage.
In place of the established duo, expectations fall on Japa, who assumes responsibility for creation, and Chico da Costa, who will have the chance to show his service in command of the attack alongside Keny Arroyo. More than a rest for the starters, today’s game is an entrance exam for those who want to prove that Cruzeiro’s squad is strong beyond the starting eleven.
A new addition to the team is Gerson, who will make his debut wearing the Cruzeiro shirt. The lineup has: Cassio; Fagner, João Marcelo, Jonathan Jesus and Kauã Prates; Ryan Guilherme, Gerson and Japa; Keny Arroyo, Kaique Kenji and Chico da Costa.
Cruzeiro x Democrat: time and where to watch
- Minas Gerais Championship 2026 – First phase
- Data: Thursday, January 22, 2026
- Time: 6:30 pm (Brasília time)
- Local: Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte (MG)
- Transmission: Premiere (pay-per-view), Globoplay e ge tv
