Crucial returns boost Rubro-Negra fans ahead of clash with Vitória.
Flamengo is preparing for an important commitment in the Brazilian Serie A this Sunday (9), when they host Vitória at the Maracanã. The match gained added excitement with good news from the medical department: Lucas Paquetá and Gonzalo Plata are back in the squad and available to head coach Leonardo Jardim. The duo used the break from matches to recover from their respective injuries and intensify training, bringing more options and quality to the team.
Paquetá returns after injury and shows enthusiasm
The return of Lucas Paquetá, who got injured during the World Cup, is a relief for head coach Leonardo Jardim and for Flamengo fans. The midfielder, considered one of the key signings of the season, suffered a left thigh muscle injury and was sidelined for several weeks. During his recovery, he chose not to take a full vacation and dedicated himself to treatment at Ninho do Urubu.
In a press conference, Paquetá expressed his gratitude for the support received and his determination to return to the field.
“It was difficult, obviously, to be out of the World Cup due to an injury. I had been playing well. We have to be ready to face anything. I had my family’s support and I gave up my short vacation, but that’s not a sacrifice. It’s for the good of my career and for the good of Flamengo”
declared the player. With Paquetá’s return, Jardim gains a fundamental piece in the midfield, competing for a spot with other talents such as Pulgar, Jorginho, Arrascaeta, Evertton Araújo, and Saúl.
Plata also back and ready for the game
In addition to Paquetá, Flamengo will also count on the return of Gonzalo Plata. The Ecuadorian forward recovered from right knee tendinitis and had been training without limitations. His absence in the matches against São Paulo and Internacional was felt, and his return is seen as an important reinforcement for the Rubro-Negra attack, which seeks more firepower for the remainder of the season.
Léo Ortiz emerges as an option for the defense
Another name that could reinforce the starting lineup is defender Léo Ortiz. After a long period sidelined due to injury, the defender has already returned to the field in some matches, but could get a chance as a starter against Vitória. His presence in the defense would bring more solidity and security to Leonardo Jardim’s team.
Flamengo’s probable lineup for the match features Rossi; Varela (Emerson Royal), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Plata (Paquetá), Samuel Lino, and Pedro. De La Cruz is a definite absence, serving a suspension.
The return of key players like Paquetá and Plata, in addition to the possible inclusion of Léo Ortiz, increases optimism surrounding Flamengo’s performance against Vitória. The club aims to maintain their good form in the Brazilian Serie A and stay in the fight for the leadership, consolidating their offensive and defensive strength for the upcoming challenges of the season.
Equipe M360
