Flamengo has finalized its squad for the crucial Libertadores clash against Independiente del Valle, featuring the return of Plata and important absences such as Cebolinha.
Flamengo is ready to begin its journey in the Copa Libertadores de América quarterfinals. This Thursday (10), the Rubro-Negro faces Independiente del Valle in Ecuador, in a challenging encounter where Quito‘s altitude will be an additional factor. Expectations are high for the first leg, which could determine the team’s path in the continental competition.
Ahead of the crucial trip, the Rio de Janeiro club released the list of athletes available to head coach Leonardo Jardim. The squad features both an exciting new addition and significant absences, which will require tactical adjustments from the coaching staff to secure a positive result away from home.
Confirmed Players for the Match
The Rubro-Negro delegation is already preparing for the Libertadores clash. The team needs a good away result to build a solid advantage before the return leg. The match will kick off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) and demands maximum focus from Flamengo‘s players.
Head coach Leonardo Jardim has called up a robust squad for the trip. Goalkeepers include Rossi, Andrew, and Dyogo Alves. The defense will feature Danilo, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Vitão. On the wings, Flamengo will have Ayrton Lucas, Emerson Royal, Varela, and Johnny.
The midfield will be bolstered by Carrascal, Arrascaeta, De La Cruz, Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, Lucas Paquetá, and Saúl. Up front, the attacking options are Bruno Henrique, Gonzalo Plata, Joaquín Freitas, Luiz Araújo, Pedro, Samuel Lino, and Valencia.
Key Absences from the Squad
For the match at Ecuadorian altitude, Flamengo will have to cope with several absences. Left-back Alex Sandro is recovering from right calf pain and will not travel. Midfielder Evertton Araújo is another absentee due to a left adductor muscle injury.
Additionally, Everton Cebolinha was excused to attend to personal matters in Rio de Janeiro, and Lorran returned to the capital to fulfill commitments with the club’s youth categories.
The Return of Gonzalo Plata
The biggest news on the squad list is the presence of Gonzalo Plata. The Ecuadorian forward had been in negotiations with Dynamo Moscow (RUS), but the transfer fell through after he failed his medical exams. As a result, Plata returned to Flamengo and rejoined the squad after the match against Remo in the Brazilian Serie A.
The decision regarding his use in the match against Independiente del Valle will be up to head coach Leonardo Jardim. His potential appearance on the field represents an important alternative for the Rubro-Negro’s attacking sector.
The clash against Independiente del Valle is a crucial step for Flamengo in their pursuit of a third Libertadores title. A victory in Ecuador is fundamental to pave the way to the semifinals. The team needs to overcome the challenges of altitude and absences, relying on the strength of its squad and the possible reintegration of Gonzalo Plata to get an early lead in the tie.
Flamengo fans can follow all the details of the match on ESPN, via cable TV, and through the Disney+ streaming service. The M360 Team will provide full coverage of the encounter, keeping Rubro-Negro supporters informed about every detail.
Equipe M360
