Fluminense hosts Coritiba at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in the 29th round of Brazil's Serie A.
Kickoff is set for 9:30 p. m.
Brasilia time, with TV Globo and Premiere broadcasting the match in Brazil.
The home side enters the contest in fifth place with 48 points, while Coritiba sits ninth on 38 points.
Fluminense is looking to strengthen its position in the standings before a demanding run of fixtures.
Coritiba, meanwhile, is aiming to reverse a three-game winless run as it works toward securing its place in the top division for the 2027 season.
Fluminense Absences and Suspension Risks
Fluminense returns from the September international window after beating Corinthians 3-1 away and defeating Vasco da Gama 1-0 at Maracana in its previous league matches.
The team also advanced to the Copa Libertadores semifinals after eliminating Argentina's Platense.
Coach Marcao must manage several absences. Nonato and Canobbio are suspended, while Renê is expected to rest because of ankle discomfort.
Soteldo has been recovering from fatigue, and Riquelme is injured.
Alisson and Matheus Reis remain in a recovery phase, and Cano and John Kennedy are also unavailable through injury.
Martinelli is expected to feature after representing Brazil during the international break.
Several Fluminense players are at risk of suspension ahead of the upcoming derby against Flamengo: Castillo, Freytes, Ganso, Guilherme Arana, Hulk, Martinelli, Otávio, Savarino and Samuel Xavier.
Forward Kevin Serna emphasized the importance of approaching the closing stretch of the season with concentration.
Speaking to FluTV, he described Coritiba as a difficult opponent and said Fluminense was focused on its own performance during a challenging period for every team.
Serna also highlighted the value of the international break for the squad's physical recovery.
He said the pause allowed players to manage their workloads, helped injured teammates recover and provided time to prepare for the decisive matches ahead.
After facing Coritiba, Fluminense is scheduled to meet Flamengo on Sunday, October 11, at 5:30 p. m.
Brasilia time, at Maracana.
The club will then host Palmeiras on Wednesday, October 14, at 9:30 p. m.
in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals.
Coritiba Team News and Recent Form
Coritiba coach Fernando Seabra welcomes back defender Jacy and fullback Tinga after their injury recoveries.
Breno Lopes also returns from suspension, while Tiago Cóser is unavailable because of a muscular problem in his left leg.
Keno and Lavega, both on loan from Fluminense, cannot play against their parent club.
Goalkeeper Pedro Morisco will also miss the match after the coaching staff decided to rest him following his involvement with Brazil's national team.
Morisco returned to Curitiba on Monday after a long journey and took part in only Wednesday's training session before the squad traveled to Rio de Janeiro.
Pedro Rangel is expected to start in goal after participating throughout Coritiba's preparations.
The goalkeeper joined the club on loan in 2024 and was signed permanently the following year, having previously developed at Fluminense.
Coritiba's recent league results include a 5-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama, a 2-1 loss to Mirassol and a 3-3 draw against local rival Athletico Paranaense.
Despite those setbacks, the team has demonstrated attacking potential, including a 2-1 victory over Corinthians during its recent run.
Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima, representing Pernambuco, will referee Thursday's match.
The officiating team includes assistants Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis and Francisco Chaves Bezerra Junior, while Emerson de Almeida Ferreira will serve as the video assistant referee.
