Looking to close the gap at the top of the table, Flamengo faces Mirassol this Sunday (16th) in the 23rd round of the Brazilian Serie A, but head coach Leonardo Jardim is facing selection headaches.
Following the first leg of their Libertadores tie, the Rubro-Negro is shifting its focus back to the domestic league with the goal of closing the gap on leaders Palmeiras. Currently sitting on 42 points with a game in hand, the team from Gávea is feeling optimistic, but they must overcome significant absences to justify their status as favorites in the interior of São Paulo.
Doubts and absences for the Rubro-Negro
The name causing the most concern for the coaching staff is Bruno Henrique. The forward is still dealing with discomfort in his left ankle—the result of a challenge from Matheus Henrique at the Mineirão—and did not participate in group training, leaving his availability for the trip in doubt. In addition to him, forward Everton Cebolinha is also uncertain after coming down with the flu, which kept him training separately from the squad.
The medical department also confirmed other absences: Alex Sandro, with tendinitis in his right calf, and Vitão, who is treating a muscle injury in his left thigh, are both ruled out.
Important return and probable lineup
On the positive side, head coach Leonardo Jardim could have Luiz Araújo back in the squad. The player was medically cleared before the match against Cruzeiro, but was sidelined due to a lack of training rhythm. Now recovered from a left knee injury, he is expected to be available on the bench.
The probable Flamengo lineup for the match features: Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz (or Danilo), and Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta (or Paquetá); Plata (or Carrascal), Pedro, and Lino.
The final decision on the starting XI will be made after the last training session before the match. With the point gap to Palmeiras narrowing, a win on the road is essential for the club’s ambitions in the Brazilian Serie A. Follow all the updates and developments on the squad through the coverage by the M360 team.
