The call-ups of Gonzalo Plata and Anthony Valencia by the Ecuador national team increase the list of Flamengo’s unavailable players for the upcoming FIFA international break.
Flamengo has received new confirmations of significant absences from its squad for upcoming international commitments. Forwards Gonzalo Plata and Anthony Valencia have been officially called up by coach Marcelo Gallardo to represent the Ecuadorian national team in preparatory friendlies, adding to the list of Flamengo players who will be serving their respective nations during the FIFA international break.
The Rio de Janeiro club celebrated the players’ call-ups through its social media channels, highlighting the importance of its athletes’ representation on the global stage. While the call-ups are a technical recognition, the news brings concern to fans and the coaching staff, as the Brazilian football calendar typically does not pause, leading to considerable absences for the team known as O Mais Querido (The Most Beloved).
Ecuador National Team Schedule
The Ecuadorian duo has scheduled matches against traditional opponents. Plata and Valencia‘s first challenge is on September 24th, facing South Korea in Suwon. Following that, Ecuador will travel to Yokohama to play Japan on October 1st for the Kirin Cup. The national team’s third match will be determined by their performance in the competition, potentially facing Panama or New Zealand.
Impact on Flamengo’s Squad
In addition to the Ecuadorian duo, Flamengo‘s coach will need to manage other absences. Arrascaeta and Varela have been called up by Uruguay, while Pedro and Samuel Lino are part of Carlo Ancelotti‘s list for the Brazil national team friendlies against Australia and India. Conversely, players like Carrascal, Jorginho, and De La Cruz were not selected in this window.
Regarding fatigue and injury risks, the M360 Team analyzed the situation:
May the players from the Colossus be protected from injuries and physical fatigue during this FIFA international break. I understand that representing their national teams is their career goal, but Flamengo could be harmed.
Brazilian Serie A Fixtures
Despite the call-ups, Flamengo remains fully focused on Sunday’s (20th) match against Red Bull Bragantino for the 28th round of the Brazilian Serie A. The game will take place at 6:30 PM at the Maracanã stadium. It is important to note that, for now, the called-up players remain available for this specific match, with the absences only affecting the team in subsequent commitments. The expectation is that the squad can overcome these absences to maintain competitiveness in the national title race.
By Equipe M360
