Arrascaeta achieves impressive feat for Flamengo against Bahia

Michael's departure from Flamengo is getting closer . No longer in coach Filipe Luís's plans, the 29-year-old forward faces direct competition from Bruno Henrique, Cebolinha, and newcomer Samuel Lino , which has considerably reduced his opportunities on the field.

The player's last game was a draw against Los Angeles FC on June 24th in the Club World Cup . Since then, he hasn't played again and was even left off the bench, as he did against São Paulo on July 12th. This situation raised alarm bells behind the scenes about his future at the club.

DEFINITIVE DEPARTURE

Behind the scenes, there's an understanding that a temporary release wouldn't bring significant benefits . Therefore, alternatives such as a permanent sale or another type of agreement may soon be considered.

Even though he has recovered from an ankle injury, Michael was not included in the squad for the clashes against Atlético-MG, for the Copa do Brasil, and for the game against Mirassol, for the Campeonato Brasileiro . He is also expected to miss the match against Internacional, for the Libertadores, this Wednesday (!3).

AL ULA SENDS PROPOSAL

Flamengo recently received an offer from Al Ula, from Saudi Arabia, which included a one-year loan with a payment of 2.5 million dollars (approximately R$ 14 million) and an option to buy at the end of the contract.

Despite the value, the board rejected the deal because they understood that the format did not meet the club's sporting and financial interests.

Internacional, led by Roger Machado, already has a defined base for the duel this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, against Flamengo. The probable Colorado lineup includes: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Tabata, Alan Patrick and Wesley; Ricardo Mathias.

In the Brazilian Championship victory over Red Bull Bragantino, Alan Benítez and Clayton Sampaio started, but they should start on the bench this time around. The defense should consist of Aguirre and Vitão, gaining more consistency in that area.

FLAMENGO MAINTAINS STRUCTURE

Flamengo's likely formation is based on the one used last Saturday (09), against Mirassol, in the Brasileirão: Rossi; Royal (or Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan (or Evertton Araújo) and Jorginho; Luiz Araújo, Plata, Pedro (or Bruno Henrique) and Samuel Lino.

The main news is Jorginho's return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension in the Brasileirão victory over Mirassol. Arrascaeta, on the other hand, will be a significant absence, missing precisely the decisive stage of the continental tournament.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

After Wednesday's clash, Rubro-Negro and Colorado will face each other again on August 20th , at the same time, in Porto Alegre, at the Beira-Rio stadium. Between Libertadores matches, the teams will play on Sunday, for the Brasileirão, also on Rio Grande do Sul soil.

Coach Filipe Luís will have an extra challenge in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. Against Internacional, this Wednesday (13) , at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, Mengão will enter the field with significant losses that could change the team's tactical pattern.

One of the pillars of the Flamengo midfield, Erick Pulgar, is out of the match due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot. He is still on a rehabilitation schedule and has no immediate return date.

In defense, Danilo will be absent, having suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh . Despite progress in his treatment and already undergoing physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to be available until the next Brazilian Championship match.

ARRASCAETA SUSPENDED

The midfield also lacks creativity with the absence of Arrascaeta . The Uruguayan is suspended after receiving his third yellow card in the last round of the group stage, against Deportivo Táchira (VEN).

DE LA CRUZ IS STILL UNCERTAINTY

The only doubt on the list is Nico De La Cruz . The number 18 has not played since July 16 due to pain in his left knee , but participated in collective training last Monday (11). Confirmation of his presence should happen after the activity this Tuesday (12). If he is released, he could be a key piece in the offensive creation.