Like this? Carlos Alcaraz is at risk of being suspended for 6 games after being sent off

Flamengo idol, Gabigol seems to be experiencing a melancholic end at the club. The player has felt the board's lack of interest in renewing his contract and receives few minutes on the field under Tite's command. The situation, practically consolidated by the board, has irritated the attacker.

According to the portal Uol, which released information this Wednesday morning (18), Gabigol adopted a more reserved stance in training and has not presented the expected performance in terms of intensity and performance, which contributed to the loss of space, being passed over by Carlinhos.

The portal also highlights that Gabigol shows dissatisfaction with his current situation and, during training, arrives commenting on the little playing time he has received. With the lack of opportunities, the chances of reversing this scenario decrease.

Another factor that complicates Gabigol's situation at Flamengo are the statements made by the club's directors. When asked about the striker's future, the answer is that the chances of renewal are minimal. This stance is reinforced by the little use of the player by Tite.

In 2024, Gabigol started as a starter in just three matches, although he was listed for 33 games. Two of these opportunities were at Cariocão, and only one at Brasileirão. Furthermore, the number 99 has been deployed in midfield, without being tested as a center forward in the absence of Pedro, who is injured.

The striker has already sought more diligently for a place in the starting team, but the The sum of all these factors has discouraged Gabigol, who now sees the end of the season as a countdown to his last moments with the Flamengo shirt.

With the future undefined, there would still be the possibility of renewal, but the board's statements indicate otherwise. Marcos Braz, for example, has already stated that it is “unlikely” that Flamengo will extend Gabigol's contract.

The club even offered a renewal for another year, with a 50% salary increase. However, this was the established limit, and, without being able to demonstrate to Tite that he can still be useful to the squad, it is unlikely that a new proposal will be made.

The Peñarol team arrived in Rio de Janeiro this past Tuesday (17) to prepare for the clash against Flamengo. Aiming for the match against Mais Querido, striker Javier Cabrera revealed what would be the best strategy to adopt at Maracanã.

“We have to defend well, but what we do very well is the counterattack from the flanks , right and left, so we hope that happens", said Javier Cabrera, about Peñarol's game strategy for the match against Flamengo.

"We know the importance of this game, but we cannot forget that we decided at home. We know the shirt we're wearing. They have a great squad; whoever plays, we'll try to make as few mistakes as possible", concluded the Peñarol player.

Despite Javier Cabrera's confidence, Flamengo will be able to count on the support of the Nation, which promises to fill Maracanã on Thursday (19). Playing at the "Templo Sagrado", Rubro-Negro lost only two matches, against Botafogo and Fortaleza, both in the Brasileirão.

Thus, the Mais Querido squad continues preparing for the clash against Peñarol, in the Libertadores. The first game will be at Maracanã, on Thursday (19). The ball rolls at 7pm, with live broadcast throughout Brazil on ESPN, on a closed channel, and Disney+, via streaming. The decision will be valid for the Libertadores quarter-finals.

Flamengo made changes to the entry list and added Alex Sandro, Carlos Alcaraz and Gonzalo Plata for the quarter-finals of Libertadores. Rubro-Negro's trio of reinforcements are available for the clash with Peñarol, which starts this Thursday (19), at Maracanã. On the other hand, Michael, injured, will be left out and will only be able to compete in the tournament if Mengão advances.

Conmebol allows three changes in the registration list from the round of 16 to the quarter-finals. Thus, Flamengo sent the document last Thursday (12) to register the new reinforcements in the vacancies of Daniel Cabral and Igor Jesus, traded with Estrela Amadora (POR), and Victor Hugo, who was loaned to Goztepe (TUR).

If Michael was fit to play, the club would need to leave one of the reinforcements out in this phase. However, the player's muscle injury, expected to return for October, made the board's decision easier. Now, he will be able to return to the Libertadores if Flamengo qualifies for the semifinals, when three more changes will be allowed.

With the possible absences of Luiz Araújo and De La Cruz, Gonzalo Plata and Alcaraz could start in the game against Peñarol. Luiz felt pain in his knee during the classic against Vasco and will be re-evaluated, while the Uruguayan midfielder is recovering from a muscle injury and is still a doubt.

Flamengo will seek victory at Maracanã to take advantage of the clash of return, which will take place in Montevideo, on the 26th. The winner of Flamengo x Peñarol will face whoever qualifies between Botafogo and São Paulo .