Cruzeiro is facing a tough test this Saturday (9) as they take on Bahia in the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship, but they'll have to do it without two key players. Coach Arthur Jorge will be missing forward Keny Arroyo and left-back Kaiki, both suspended after receiving red cards in the heated derby against Atlético-MG.

These absences are a significant blow for Raposa. Kaiki has been a standout performer with 25 appearances and three assists in 2026—his consistent displays even earned him a call-up to the Brazilian National Team. Meanwhile, Keny Arroyo has been equally influential, directly contributing to six goals (three scored, three assists) in the same number of matches.

The suspensions are automatic, but Arroyo's situation is more severe. Already one yellow card away from a ban, he faces a two-match suspension, meaning he'll miss not only the Bahia clash but also the upcoming match against Palmeiras on May 16. It's a double hit for a team that relies heavily on his creativity in the final third.

Before diving into the Brasileirão action, Cruzeiro has another big game on the horizon: a Copa Libertadores showdown against Universidad Católica this Wednesday (6). The team is expected to field their strongest lineup for that continental battle, aiming to secure top spot in Group D. Once that's settled, all eyes will turn back to the national league.

May is shaping up to be a decisive month for the Minas Gerais club. With a packed schedule of crucial matches across different competitions, how they navigate these absences could define their season. For now, all focus is on getting results—one game at a time.