Luiz Araújo nearing return for Flamengo in Libertadores
Luiz Araújo‘s recovery for Flamengo is showing positive signs. The forward, who had been sidelined in the medical department, has started his physical transition phase, raising expectations that he may be available for the crucial match against Cruzeiro on August 12, the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16.
Luiz Araújo to hit the field soon
Since July 17, when he suffered a hard tackle in a friendly against Olimpia (PAR) in Brasília, Luiz Araújo had been out of action. Fortunately, the left knee injury did not require surgery.
Currently, the number 7 player is focusing on physical conditioning and physiotherapy on the field, following a detailed plan for his return.
Expectation of returning to group training
The expectation is that Luiz Araújo will rejoin the rest of the squad for training this week, possibly on Friday (07) or Saturday (08).
However, his participation in the match against Vitória this Sunday (09), for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Serie A, has already been ruled out. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium.
Rubro-Negro’s Medical Department Status
The news about Luiz Araújo‘s transition brings relief to the club’s medical department. Other players who had left with complaints, such as Léo Pereira, who was subbed off against Internacional with pain, have already recovered and are fit to play.
The same applies to Gonzalo Plata, who had been sidelined since the match against Chapecoense.
Lucas Paquetá called up
Furthermore, Lucas Paquetá, who had not yet played for Mengão since his injury during the World Cup, will be called up for the match against Vitória. His presence, even on the bench, represents a technical boost for the team.
Right-wing opportunity
Luiz Araújo‘s potential return is seen as a key piece for the Libertadores knockout stage. Especially considering that the arrival of Luiz Henrique to strengthen the attack for these games is uncertain.
The versatility of players like Luiz Araújo, Plata, and Paquetá on the right wing becomes crucial.
Pedro Paulo Catonho, a journalist for Coluna do Fla, stated:
It will be great news if, in fact, all squad players are available against Cruzeiro starting next week. Luiz Araújo is not having his best moment at Flamengo, but he is a guy who can help in this knockout stage. Considering it’s unlikely Flamengo will have Luiz Henrique’s reinforcement for these games, it’s important that not only Luiz Araújo but also Plata and Paquetá, who can play on the right wing, are fit. It’s worth remembering that in the last game, against Internacional, the player who played in that sector was Carrascal, which isn’t really his position.
The full recovery of the squad is a determining factor for Flamengo‘s ambitions in the competitions they are competing in. The expectation is that, with the returns, coach Leonardo Jardim will have more options to assemble the team for the challenges in the Libertadores and the Brazilian Serie A.
Luiz Araújo‘s presence on the field, after overcoming his injury, could be an important differentiator for the Rubro-Negro team in the decisive stages.
By Equipe M360
