Thiago Silva returns to Fluminense squad for Libertadores clash

Fluminense has confirmed the squad list for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Independiente Rivadavia, scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, at the Maracanã.

The headline news for the Tricolor is the return of Thiago Silva. The experienced defender had been sidelined with thigh discomfort but has returned to full training and is once again at the disposal of manager Luis Zubeldía.

While Silva provides a boost to the backline, the club remains without several key players. Freytes continues to be sidelined with a bone edema in his right ankle, while John Kennedy and Matheus Reis are also unavailable due to long-term injuries.

Manager Luis Zubeldía is expected to field a full-strength side after rotating his squad in the recent league match against Botafogo. Hulk, who was recently registered for the knockout stages, is the favorite to lead the attack in the absence of Kennedy.

Independiente Rivadavia arrives in Rio with momentum after finishing their group stage campaign undefeated at the top of Group C. While the Argentine side has seen changes, including the departure of forward Sebastián Villa, they still look to Alex Arce to provide their main attacking threat.