Fred eyes Fluminense return

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 20 (IANS) Brazil international striker Fred is set to return from injury for the final month of Fluminense’s Campeonato Brasileiro campaign.

Fred has not played since injuring his right quadriceps muscle in the Rio de Janeiro club’s 0-2 loss to Santos Aug 31, reports Xinhua.

“We hope Fred can be back playing in the second week of November. That will mean he could play another four matches for us this season,” Fluminense coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said after his team’s 1-1 draw with Ponte Preta at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday.

The result left the reigning champions 14th in the league standings, just four clear of the relegation zone with eight matches remaining.

Luxemburgo denied the club’s fortunes rested on the return of Fred and left-back Ronan, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.

“We know that we can’t afford to wait for those players to come back to play well. It’s going to come down to our desire, even if we aren’t at full strength,” Luxemburgo said.