After four intense days of activity at the Ninho do Urubu, the Flamengo squad has been given Sunday off to recharge their batteries before the final stretch of the FIFA international break.
Flamengo is taking this Sunday (04) to rest following an intense run of four consecutive days of training at the Ninho do Urubu training ground. The coaching staff led by Leonardo Jardim oversaw their eighth tactical session since the national calendar was paused, maintaining full focus on preparations for the return to Brazilian Serie A action.
Return of International Players
Starting this Monday (05), the Rubro-Negro routine will receive a boost with the arrival of players returning from international duty. The M360 Team reports that forwards Pedro and Samuel Lino are heading straight to Rio de Janeiro after shining in the Brazil national team‘s 4-0 thrashing of India in Kolkata.
While Samuel Lino came off the bench and scored twice, Pedro contributed with a goal and an assist. According to internal assessments by the board, both will be available for the match on the São Paulo coast, despite the physical toll of the long international travel.
Absences and Injury Report
On the other hand, Flamengo is not expected to have Varela and Anthony Valencia available for the next official match. As explained by Director of Football José Boto, the logistics make it impossible to use the pair due to the distance and time zone differences for their national team matches in Asia.
The director stated:
In principle, Varela and Anthony Valencia will not face Santos. They are playing very far away and won’t arrive in time. Regarding Pedro and Samuel Lino, we are counting on them; they will arrive in time. They won’t be at 100%, but they will be able to help the team in this important match.
In the medical department, the most significant absence is midfielder Arrascaeta, who underwent surgery on his left wrist and will miss the Copa Libertadores semifinals against Estudiantes. On a positive note, forward Gonzalo Plata has overcome muscle discomfort and is already training normally with the group.
Upcoming Challenges
Flamengo returns to the pitch next Thursday (08) to face Santos at Vila Belmiro, in the 29th round of the Brazilian Serie A. The league leaders are looking to maintain their advantage at the top of the table, where they have 60 points, three more than their direct rivals Palmeiras.
The clash against the São Paulo side marks the start of a grueling sequence of five matches in just 15 days for the club. The tight schedule includes the derby against Fluminense, the decisive continental showdown against Estudiantes in Argentina, and an away game against Bahia.
M360 Team
