David Luiz has suspected viral hepatitis and was forced off in Flamengo's Brazilian Cup semi-final after suffering extreme fatigue... with the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender admitting he has a 'serious problem'
- David Luiz started Flamengo's Brazilian Cup semi-final against Sao Paulo
- But he was forced off at half-time after suffering severe fatigue and a virus
- Reports in Brazil say the defender has suspected viral hepatitis
- Luiz, 35, is set to undergo more tests but admitted he has a 'serious problem'
- He returned to his native Brazil last September following two seasons at Arsenal
David Luiz 'is suffering from viral hepatitis' and was forced off during Flamengo's Brazilian Cup semi-final against Sao Paulo because of extreme fatigue.
The former Chelsea and Arsenal defender started the first leg of the tie, which Flamengo went on to win 3-1, but was replaced by Fabricio Bruno at half-time.
Reports in Brazil said Luiz, 35, was suffering from a virus, wasn't sleeping properly and was displaying many signs of fatigue.
![David Luiz is suffering from suspected viral hepatitis and was forced off at half-time during Flamengo's Brazilian Cup semi-final against Sao Paulo on Wednesday night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/25/08/61713379-11144679-image-a-8_1661413697803.jpg)
David Luiz is suffering from suspected viral hepatitis and was forced off at half-time during Flamengo's Brazilian Cup semi-final against Sao Paulo on Wednesday night
![Reports in Brazil said Luiz was suffering from a virus, fatigue and was struggling to sleep](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/25/08/61713517-11144679-image-a-9_1661413753861.jpg)
Reports in Brazil said Luiz was suffering from a virus, fatigue and was struggling to sleep
Flamengo's medical department will now conduct further tests to ascertain how serious Luiz's condition is but he looked glum on the bench during the second-half.
After the game, he told TV Globo: 'Look, I have a little more serious problem. I'm going to do some tests. Then I'll tell you what it is.'
Luiz is in his second season with Flamengo, having signed for them from Arsenal in September last year, and has been in and out of the side.
The cup semi-final, however, was his fourth game during August and he'd completed the full 90 minutes of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Palmeiras in the Brazilian league.
He also featured in both legs of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final against Corinthians, which his team won 3-0 on aggregate.
![The 35-year-old defender moved back to Brazil and joined Flamengo from Arsenal in 2021](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/25/08/61713627-11144679-image-a-10_1661413916859.jpg)
The 35-year-old defender moved back to Brazil and joined Flamengo from Arsenal in 2021
The Flamengo coach Dorival Junior said after Wednesday night's game: 'It's natural that it's a worrying situation.
'I believe that tomorrow the medical department should give us some information.
'I prefer to leave it without me saying anything, because it would also be frivolous to say something about an athlete who has been pre-evaluated by the medical department.
'Tomorrow, for sure, we will have something more tangible and safer to share with everyone.'
Flamengo are currently third in the Brazilian Serie A table, trailing Palmeiras by nine points.
They are due to take on Argentine side Velez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals next month.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/08/02/636x90_facebook_ad_sport.png)
Most watched Sport videos
- Giants fans burn quarterback Daniel Jones' jersey after loss
- Montenegro fans create distraction from football with fireworks
- Las Vegas Raiders fan body slams a woman during brawl
- Awkward moment footy great can't pronounce NRL player's name
- Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces she is pregnant
- Moment Miami Dolphin's Tyreek Hill is arrested by police
- Jason Kelce bares all with ex-Eagles teammate in revealing beer ad
- Shocking bodycam of Tyreek Hill arrest released by Miami-Dade PD
- Woman exposes NRL boyfriend for leaving her for another
- Ireland fans mock Queen's death aiming chants at England fans
- John Hunt makes a poignant return to the commentary box at Brighton
- Tyreek Hill speeds by police before cops aggressively pull him over