Who can replace Dinenno and Arthur in the South American Championship? < On Attack

Juan Dinenno and Arthur Gomes miss Cruzeiro’s attack in the first round of the Copa Sudamericana. Raposa debuts in the tournament against Universidad Católica, this Thursday (4/4), at 9pm, at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium, in Quito, Ecuador.

The reason for the duo’s absence is physical. Nicolás Larcamón opted to rest the center forward and winger, who showed significant physical wear after the 2-2 draw with Atlético, on Saturday, in the first leg of the Campeonato Mineiro final.

Despite not having the attackers on his debut, the coach once again has left-back Kaiki as an option. The winger had been out of the team for two months due to a muscle injury in his right thigh. See all the athletes listed by the Argentine.

Dinenno’s replacement

Larcamón sat Dinenno in both of Mineiro’s semi-final games, against Tombense. On these occasions, the Argentine chose Rafael Elias as the team’s starting center forward.

Therefore, Papagaio is the favorite to take Dinenno’s position against Universidad Católica. This season, the 24-year-old’s record is seven games (three since the start) and two goals.

Another option for the front line is Rafa Silva. The number 8 has not yet gained opportunities among the starting 11. Nico only used the athlete three times, all in the second half. He hasn’t played since February 3rd.

Substitute for Arthur Gomes

Regarding Arthur Gomes’ role, there are doubts. Larcamón could promote Álvaro Barreal’s debut as a starter or give new opportunities to Robert or Mateus Vital on the left side.

The coach will not repeat the lineup from the last classic, but he gave no indication of what the Cruzeiro team will be like in Quito. The chance for Barreal is expected as he is the last player signed by Raposa and one of the only reinforcements who has not yet been a starter – along with third goalkeeper Léo Aragão and Rafa Silva.

Versatile on the left side, the promising Argentine athlete has already entered the field twice. He was used in the final stage of the draw with Atlético and in the 3-2 victory over Tombense, in the second leg of the semi-final.

Vital started three of the five matches he played in 2024. Robert, in turn, was in the starting 11 on five occasions this year. He was also used twice as a substitute.

The definitions of the attack will mainly depend on the lineup that Nico chooses to use against Universidad Católica. The coach needs to guarantee a positive result for Raposa, at the same time as saving players for the return of the final.

Next Cruzeiro x Atlético

Cruzeiro and Atlético will face each other again next Sunday, starting at 3:30 pm, at Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte. The advantage belongs to the star team, which only needs another draw to become Minas Gerais champion.