Brazilian Fluminense is having a bad spell off the pitch. A day after confirming the provisional ban of one of its players after a positive anti-doping test in the game against River Plate at the Maracana Stadium, the Rio de Janeiro club announced that the midfielder Felipe Melo will not be able to play against Atlético Mineiro this Wednesday, matchday 11 of the Brasileirao. The news comes a few days after the crucial game the Cariocas will play against Sporting Cristal for the Copa Libertadores.
“The player Felipe Melo felt discomfort in his right knee during training today (Tuesday) and was withdrawn from Wednesday’s game against Atlético Mineiro,” read a statement shared by “Flu” on their social networks.
Felipe Melo has been playing for Fluminense since 2022. Photo: EFE
The explosive 39-year-old footballer is one of the undisputed starters in Fernando Diniz’s plan. They have played 25 games this season, four of them in the group stage of the continental tournament. Currently, the “Flu” lead Group D, but their ticket to the round of 16 is not guaranteed, although a draw against the Peruvians is enough to reach it.
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Which Fluminense player has been banned for doping?
On Tuesday night, Fluminense announced that Conmebol had imposed a temporary ban on defender Manoel over possible doping. “Conmebol suspended Manoel for the alleged presence of the substance ostarin in an anti-doping control conducted after the May 2 match against River at the Maracanã Stadium. The athlete requested a counter-test of the sample,” the club explained.
When do Sporting Cristal vs. Fluminense play?
The match between Sporting Cristal and Fluminense, the final matchday of Group D, will be played this Tuesday, June 27, at the Maracaná Stadium from 19:00 (Peruvian time). In order to reach the round of 16, the beer team has to win.