Author: Soorya G
Flamengo’s star duo, Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Gerson, were on the bench as unused substitutes during the match between Uruguay and Brazil on Tuesday night at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, in the fourth round of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. This strategic decision increases the likelihood of the players taking part in Flamengo’s next match, scheduled for Thursday against Cruzeiro at Mineirão, in the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship.
After returning to Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of the morning, the two players are expected at Flamengo’s Ninho do Urubu training center in the morning. After they have undergone tests at the club’s complex, a decision will be made on their participation. Despite not having trained with the Brazilian national team due to call-ups, the pair have a good chance of being included in Flamengo’s squad. If they had played in Montevideo, their chances of playing for Flamengo would have diminished considerably due to the short break of just 48 hours between matches.
When they return, Arrascaeta and Gerson are expected to be less tired. On the first matchday of the international break, Gerson played just 21 minutes in Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Venezuela, while Arrascaeta played 35 minutes in Uruguay’s 2-2 draw against Colombia.
This decision calculated by Flamengo’s coaching staff and the light workload of the players during the national team matches are intended to ensure that they are in the best physical condition for the club’s next match. The importance of the players to Flamengo’s campaign in the Campeonato Brasileiro cannot be underestimated, and the team will be looking to maximize their readiness for the upcoming match against Cruzeiro.