Cariocão: Vitória do Volta Redonda makes Flamengo lose a position in the table

Flamengo and Giorgian De Arrascaeta are close to sealing a new contract agreement . Talks resumed in recent weeks, and new meetings are expected to take place during the FIFA World Cup break, with the aim of finalizing the details of a renewal until December 2028, with an automatic extension until 2029 subject to performance targets. This information was provided by the 'GE' portal.

The number 10 is currently under contract with the club until the end of 2026, but he has publicly expressed his desire to stay longer. Initially, the board saw no need to bring forward the negotiations , but their stance has changed given the Uruguayan's prominence, as he is enjoying his highest-scoring season since joining Flamengo in 2019.

NEGOTIATIONS IN FINAL PHASE

Flamengo has already received the midfielder's salary expectations and has continued the talks that began in February, which had been interrupted in May. Negotiations are being led by executive director José Boto and businessman Daniel Fonseca , a former Uruguayan international who has been responsible for Arrascaeta's career.

After initial unease, when negotiations were postponed on the grounds that the issue would only be resumed in 2025 , the parties are now in sync and optimistic. Fonseca and Boto are expected to meet again next week in Rio de Janeiro to advance the agreement.

The club's board decided to address the issue during the strike period to avoid distracting from the season's sporting objectives. In addition to Arrascaeta, the club also plans to extend Filipe Luís's contract.

URUGUAYAN'S NUMBERS IN THE SEASON

Arrascaeta has 19 goals and 13 assists in 48 appearances for Flamengo in 2025, figures that place him as one of the squad's standout performers. In 2019 alone, his first year with the club, he directly contributed to more goals: 18 scored and 19 assists.

Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Bahia, at Arena Fonte Nova , in Salvador. The duel is valid for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship and will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere (pay-per-view).

FLAMENGO'S SHORTAGES

The Rubro-Negro faces the Tricolor with some important absences : Erick Pulgar remains out for physical reconditioning after recovering from a fifth metatarsal injury in his right foot. The midfielder is only expected to return after the next FIFA International Matchday.

Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro are suspended after receiving their third yellow card in the draw with Cruzeiro on Thursday (02). Saúl Ñíguez felt pain in his left ankle and did not travel to Salvador , being preserved by the technical committee.

BAHIA'S SHORTAGES

Coach Rogério Ceni will need to be creative when putting together a team against Flamengo . Bahia has 13 players out due to injuries and suspensions:

• Medical staff: João Paulo, Kanu, David Duarte, Erick, Caio Alexandre, Erick Pulga, and Ruan Pablo. Ramos Mingo is doubtful.
• Suspended: Arias, Luciano Juba, Gabriel Xavier, Rodrigo Nestor and Sanabria.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Bahia (Rogerio Ceni): Ronaldo; Gilberto, Fredi, Rezende and Ze Guilherme; Acevedo, Jean Lucas and Everton Ribeiro; Kayky, Iago Borduchi (Michel Araujo) and Willian Jose.

Flamengo (Filipe Luis): Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Leo Ortiz and Ayrton Lucas; De la Cruz (Allan), Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino (Everton Cebolinha) and Pedro.

Bahia held its last training session this Saturday morning (4) before the match against Flamengo , in the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship. The preparation, which lasted two days, ended with tactical work led by Rogério Ceni , while the defensive sector underwent specific activities under the guidance of assistant Nelson Simões.

The Tricolor coach faces a long list of 12 absences, including suspensions and players sent to the medical department. On the other hand, the coach received two pieces of good news: the return of Acevedo after serving a suspension, and the possible early return of defender David Duarte, who trained with the squad and may be included earlier than expected. His return was scheduled for after the FIFA international break.

BAHIA'S SHORTAGES

• Luciano Juba, Gabriel Xavier, Santi Arias, Sanabria and Rodrigo Nestor (suspended);
• Erick, Ruan Pablo and Caio Alexandre (transition);
• Kanu (physical reconditioning);
• João Paulo, Ramos Mingo and Erick Pulga (injured).

If David Duarte is released, he will form a central defensive partnership with Rezende. Otherwise, Fredi Lippert is expected to fill the role . The main offensive doubt is on the left side of the attack, where Iago Borduchi, Michel Araújo, Cauly, and Tiago are competing for the suspended Sanabria's spot.

Bahia's likely lineup is: Ronaldo; Gilberto, David Duarte (or Fredi), Rezende and Zé Guilherme; Acevedo, Jean Lucas and Everton Ribeiro ; Kayky, Iago Borduchi (Michel Araújo, Tiago or Cauly) and Willian José.

DECISIVE CONFRONTATION IN FONTE NOVA

Bahia and Flamengo face each other this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Arena Fonte Nova Betting House, in Salvador . Tricolor comes from a defeat in the Brasileirão and needs to win to stay close to the G-4 and remain within the classification zone for the Libertadores, since São Paulo appears only two points behind in the table.