Grêmio will be able to count on the return of goalkeeper Gabriel Grando and midfielder Bitello for the game against RB Bragantino, Thursday (14), at 9:30 pm, at Nabi Abi Chedid, in Bragança Paulista, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship . Both return from Morocco, where the second friendly between the Brazilian Pre-Olympic Team and the local Olympic Team was cancelled.
After Morocco’s 1-0 victory last Thursday (7), a new game would take place this Monday (11). However, the match was canceled by the Moroccan Federation due to the earthquake that hit the country on Friday (8), leaving a lot of damage.
Earthquake left more than two thousand dead
According to the country’s Ministry of Interior, more than 2,100 people died as a result of the magnitude 6.8 earthquake. The city of Marrakech and its surroundings were the most affected. King Mohammed VI declared three days of official mourning.
Staying in Fez, the venue for the friendlies, the Brazilian Pre-Olympic Team delegation also felt the tremors. As a precaution, everyone left their rooms and went to an open area, close to the hotel pool. No one is hurt.
With the release of the CBF, Grando and Bitello, as well as the other teammates, had their early returns to Brazil. They should perform again on Tuesday (12) at CT Presidente Luiz Carvalho, in Porto Alegre, participating in the last two training sessions before facing Bragantino.
Grand holder, Bitello bank
Only Grando should start, even though Caíque performed safely in the 2-0 victory over Cuiabá, in the last round. At the time, the goalkeeper of the Pre-Olympic Team was suspended due to a third yellow card.
On the other hand, Bitello should start on the reserve bench. The tendency is for coach Renato Portaluppi to repeat the formation of the last two matches, in the 4-4-2 diamond. Therefore, from midfield, Tricolor will have Villasanti, Carballo, Pepê, Cristaldo, João Pedro Galvão and Luis Suárez.
Bitello Trading
Bitello’s return also comes amid speculation about a possible departure. Tricolor received a proposal from Dinamo Moscow, from Russia, which would have pleased the club, but not the player.
Grêmio’s next games
- RB Bragantino x Grêmio, Brasileirão Série A, Nabi Abi Chedid, Bragança Paulista/SP – September 14th (Thursday), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time);
- Corinthians x Grêmio, Brasileirão Série A, Neoquímica Arena, São Paulo/SP – September 18th (Monday), at 9pm (Brasília time);
- Grêmio x Palmeiras, Brasileirão Série A, Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre/RS – September 21st (Thursday), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).
