Cruzeiro has announced the reason for defender Jonathan Jesus’s absence in the upcoming match against Botafogo. The teams are set to clash at 19:30 local time on Thursday, November 4, at the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte.
Reason for Jonathan Jesus’s Absence
According to the club, Jonathan Jesus experienced discomfort at the beginning of the week. This condition caused him to miss several training sessions at Toca da Raposa II. As a result, he lacks the necessary match fitness to be included in the lineup.
Cruzeiro’s Squad Changes
In addition to Jonathan Jesus’s absence, there are several notable changes to the starting lineup for the match against Botafogo.
- Lucas Romero: The midfielder returns to the starting XI after serving a suspension.
- Luis Sinisterra: The Colombian forward is awarded a chance to start up front.
- Keny Arroyo: He will begin the match on the bench to manage his injury concerns.
- Kaio Jorge: This key forward will also start, having been preserved from the last match due to muscular fatigue.
Match Setup and Key Players
This match marks Cruzeiro’s final home game of the season in the Brasileirão. Kaio Jorge, the league’s top scorer with 21 goals, is expected to lead the attack. He is crucial for Cruzeiro’s hopes of securing a win.
Starting Lineup for Cruzeiro
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Cássio |
| Defenders | William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba, Kaiki |
| Midfielders | Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian, Matheus Pereira |
| Forwards | Luis Sinisterra, Kaio Jorge |
Bench Options
Coach Leonardo Jardim has a variety of substitutes to choose from, including:
- Léo Aragão
- Kauã Moraes
- Fagner
- João Marcelo
- Kauã Prates
- Walace
- Matheus Henrique
- Eduardo
- Japa
- Rayan Lelis
- Arroyo
- Bolasie
Jonathan Jesus’s Performance in 2025
In the current season, Jonathan Jesus has played 28 matches for Cruzeiro, starting in 23 of them. Under his presence, the team has achieved ten victories, eleven draws, and suffered seven losses.
Cruzeiro looks forward to competing efficiently against Botafogo, aiming for a strong showing in the league as the season approaches its conclusion.
