Soccer

Behind the scenes: Michael gains strength and should start for Flamengo after recovering from injury

The presence of the player on the field brings a new dynamic to the team's offensive sector, giving the coach more alternatives to compose his strategies

The striker should start for Flamengo in today's game (Photo/Flamengo)
The striker should start for Flamengo in today's game (Photo/Flamengo)

26 Out 2024 | 14:04 |

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Flamengo is hoping to have a significant reinforcement for today's clash: Michael, a striker who stood out in his first spell for the club, he is back after recovering from an injury that sidelined him. Michael's recovery was faster than expected, surprising even the coaching staff. Now, the player is ready to resume his trajectory with the red-black shirt and seek to be a fundamental piece in the coach's tactical scheme. With speed, skill and an eye for goal, he promises to make a difference on the field.


During his recovery, Michael went through a period of reconditioning physical and technical. The process included intense preparation supervised by the club's physiotherapy team, focused on the athlete's safe and gradual return. His return was not expected so soon, but the dedication and efforts made in training meant that the player was available to the coach sooner than expected. As a result, he should be a starter in today's match, taking on the leading role in the Flamengo offensive, which is looking for another important victory this season.


 FLAMENGO HAS ITS DEFINITIONS 


In a press conference recent, Filipe Luís praised Michael's evolution during the recovery period and acknowledged that he is still regaining his best physical shape. The veteran left-back highlighted that the technical team intends to explore the best version of the attacker, valuing his main characteristics: short dribbling, speed to break defensive lines and decision-making power in the last third of the field. According to Filipe Luís, patience and gradual work will be essential for Michael to once again reach the level he presented in his previous spell at Flamengo.

MICHAEL WILL GET AN OPPORTUNITY 


The expectation surrounding his return by Michael is high, both from the fans and the coaching staff. The player's versatility, who can play on the wing or as a second striker, is seen as an important tactical difference for Flamengo. Furthermore, his rapport with some of the main names in the squad and his positive record at the club increase hopes of a triumphant return. During training, Michael demonstrated that he was willing to regain his space and prove his value, placing himself as a key player in the red and black squad.

It is worth remembering that, in his first spell at Flamengo, Michael won over the fans with outstanding performances and decisive goals. His speed and ability to decide important games were characteristics that made him stand out in Brazilian football, leading him to be considered one of the team's main names at the time.Now, back at Rubro-Negro, the striker seems determined to rewrite this success story and win the affection of the fans again.


Soccer

Flamengo will have an important return to the starting lineup against Estudiantes in the Libertadores

Recovered, defender returns to Filipe Luís's team for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals; Jorginho is doubtful and could be out

Léo Ortiz returns to Flamengo's starting lineup against Estudiantes and reinforces the red-black defense in the first leg of the Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Léo Ortiz returns to Flamengo's starting lineup against Estudiantes and reinforces the red-black defense in the first leg of the Libertadores - photo: reproduction

18 Set 2025 | 12:20 |

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Flamengo will have an important reinforcement for the duel this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Defender Léo Ortiz returns to the starting lineup after serving an automatic suspension in the Brasileirão and is confirmed for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals against Estudiantes.


In addition to Léo Ortiz , other players are available again for Filipe Luís , including Varela and Bruno Henrique, who were rested against Juventude. Alex Sandro and Jorginho, on the other hand, remain doubtful and will have their fitness assessed shortly before the match.


HANGING ROD


Right-back Guillermo Varela, the team's starting right-back, is on the field with a yellow card. If he receives another warning, the Uruguayan will be out of the second leg, scheduled for September 25th at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata.

PROBABLE LINEUPS


To face Estudiantes, Flamengo must maintain the base of the team that has been playing: Rossi; Varela (Emerson Royal), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Saúl, De La Cruz (Jorginho) and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro and Samuel Lino.

Eduardo Domínguez will have almost his entire squad available for the game later today. He's expected to field the following: Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez, and Santiago Arzamendia; Ascacíbar, Gabriel Neves, Amondarain, and Medina; Tiago Palacios and Guido Carrillo.


Soccer

Alert! Flamengo has a player suspended for the match against Estudiantes.

The full-back has a yellow card and, if he receives another punishment at the Maracanã, he will be out of the decisive clash in Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Flamengo's Varela is suspended for the match against Estudiantes in the Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Flamengo's Varela is suspended for the match against Estudiantes in the Libertadores - photo: reproduction

18 Set 2025 | 11:59 |

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Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (18) , at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Estudiantes at Maracanã for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. In addition to the weight of the confrontation, coach Filipe Luís needs to manage an extra concern: right-back Guillermo Varela is suspended and could become an important absence for the return leg , scheduled for September 25, at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata.


After resting some starters over the weekend, Filipe Luís will have reinforcements for the match. Varela, Bruno Henrique, and Léo Ortiz return after absences against Juventude , increasing the team's strength. Meanwhile, Alex Sandro and Jorginho are doubtful and will have their fitness assessed hours before the game.


STUDENTS ARRIVE WITHOUT STAFF


On the other side, Estudiantes will have confirmed absences. Coach Eduardo Domínguez will be without González Pirez and Edwuin Cetré, both in the medical department. Even so, 27 players traveled to Rio de Janeiro and completed their final training session at Fluminense's training center in the West Zone. The Argentine team reaches the quarterfinals after defeating Cerro Porteño 1-0 on aggregate.

PROBABLE LINEUPS


FLAMENGO (Coach: Filipe Luis): Rossi; Varela (Emerson Royal), Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Saul, De La Cruz (Jorginho) and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro and Samuel Lino.

ESTUDIATES (Coach: Eduardo Domínguez): Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez and Santiago Arzamendia; Ascacíbar, Gabriel Neves, Amondarain and Medina; Tiago Palacios and Guido Carrillo.


Soccer

What is Estudiantes' likely lineup against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores? See

La Plata Club goes to Rio de Janeiro to face Mengão at Maracanã for the first leg of the competition's quarterfinals

Check out Estudiantes' likely lineup to face Flamengo in the Libertadores quarterfinals - Photo: Reproduction/Conmebol
Check out Estudiantes' likely lineup to face Flamengo in the Libertadores quarterfinals - Photo: Reproduction/Conmebol

18 Set 2025 | 11:33 |

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On Thursday night (September 18), Flamengo and Estudiantes face each other at Maracanã , in Rio de Janeiro, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores 2025. The ball rolls at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), with exclusive broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.


COMPLICATED PROJECTION


Coach Eduardo Domínguez acknowledges the difficulty of the match, but is confident in the Argentine team's ability to achieve a good result away from home. Estudiantes arrives with high morale: they had a solid campaign in the group stage and eliminated Cerro Porteño in the round of 16 , with three away wins and only one loss, against Botafogo.


Probable line-up: Fernando Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez and Santiago Arzamendia; Tiago Palacios, Gabriel Neves, Santiago Ascacíbar, Mikel Amondarain and Cristian Medina; Guido Carrillo.

HEAVY DEFAULTS


Estudiantes will be without key players for the Rio clash. 33-year-old defender González Pírez, a River Plate alumnus, suffered a Grade 3 injury to his right hamstring and is expected to be out for at least a month, missing both games against Flamengo .

In attack, Colombian Edwuin Cetré, 27, is also out. He suffered a grade 1 muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg and will not play at the Maracanã . However, he is expected to recover for the return leg, scheduled for September 25th in La Plata.



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