Grêmio Vs Atlético Mineiro: Castro Faces Late Midfield Setback Ahead of Arena Match
Grêmio enters the match against Atlético Mineiro with a last-minute midfield problem that could reshape the starting XI for the clash scheduled for 9: 30 PM ET at the Arena in Porto Alegre. The grêmio vs atlético mineiro fixture now features confirmed absences and fresh registration news that matter for squad selection and short-term planning.
Grêmio Vs Atlético Mineiro: late injuries
The immediate news for the home side is that the midfielder Arthur felt a discomfort on Tuesday and is out of the match. Another midfielder, Monsalve, trained on the field after recovering from a muscle injury to his left thigh and is being assessed; he may be listed but a start is described as a remote possibility. Willian remains sidelined after an edema to a muscle was diagnosed last week and continues intensive treatment with the focus of being available for the state championship final next Sunday. Forward Tetê is also absent, carrying a muscular injury to the posterior region of his right thigh and is a doubt for that upcoming final.
Defensive availability is also affected: Wagner Leonardo was sent off in the last league round and is suspended, which gives Viery, who started against Juventude, a likely run in the back line. The late changes forced the coaching staff to alter plans for youth call-ups: Tiaguinho and the attacker Roger had been due to feature for the under-20s but stayed with the senior group after the morning session on Tuesday.
Probable Grêmio starting lineup
Luís Castro has a set of options bolstered by recent registrations. Juan Nardoni and Leonel Pérez, both midfield additions from Argentina, trained with the first team in recent days and could make their debuts; Nardoni was regularized on Tuesday while Pérez was already registered in the federation list. The club’s probable XI announced ahead of the match lists Weverton in goal; João Pedro (or Marcos Rocha), Balbuena (or Gustavo Martins), Viery and Marlon in defense; Noriega, Dodi (with Nardoni a named alternative), Pavón, Gabriel Mec (or Nardoni) and Amuzu across midfield and wide areas; and Carlos Vinicius up front.
The available choices reflect the current mix of injuries, suspensions and newly cleared players, leaving Castro to weigh match fitness and recent training participation when finalizing his lineup.
Match context and outlook
The game is set for 9: 30 PM ET at the Arena in Porto Alegre and will be officiated by Raphael Claus, a 46-year-old FIFA-listed referee who has previously commanded this fixture in Porto Alegre. Atlético Mineiro arrives after two draws and one loss in the opening three rounds of the national league, recording 2 points and occupying 15th place in the early table. Grêmio has 3 points and sits 13th, having beaten Botafogo 5–3 at home and lost to Fluminense and São Paulo in other league outings.
Atlético’s newly announced head coach, Eduardo Domínguez, is expected to attend the match in Porto Alegre and is due to begin work with the squad from Thursday in preparation for ongoing state competition commitments. The visiting club named a 24-player delegation for the trip.
Immediate indicators to watch: the matchday status of Monsalve and any late decisions on Nardoni or Pérez in the matchday squad, the enforced absence of Wagner Leonardo and how Viery’s continuity affects defensive shape, and whether Willian’s treatment timeline keeps him unavailable ahead of the state final next Sunday.
Key takeaways
- Arthur is out and Willian and Tetê are sidelined; Monsalve is a remote chance to feature.
- Juan Nardoni has been regularized and could be introduced; Leonel Pérez is eligible to play.
- Match at 9: 30 PM ET, with referee Raphael Claus appointed; Atlético arrives with 2 points, Grêmio has 3.
Final lineup decisions are expected closer to kick-off as the coaching staff balances short-term competition needs with recovery targets ahead of the state final next Sunday.
