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Flamengo returns to action on October 15th , following the FIFA World Cup break. During the period without matches, between the 6th and 14th, coach Filipe Luís is closely monitoring the recovery of midfielder Erick Pulgar , who could be the team's biggest boost for the derby against Botafogo.

The Chilean is recovering from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot, suffered during the Club World Cup against Bayern Munich. He has not played for the Red-Blacks since then . The rehabilitation process, monitored by the medical department and the coaching staff, has shown positive progress.

Pulgar is already undergoing physical reconditioning activities and has been participating in specific sessions at Ninho do Urubu, focusing on regaining rhythm and strengthening muscles. The number 5's presence in the derby is considered an internal priority , but the club is taking precautions to avoid the risk of further injury.

RIGHT FOOT INJURY

A fractured fifth metatarsal is considered one of the most delicate injuries in professional soccer , requiring recovery time and intensive monitoring. Similar cases have occurred with high-profile players, such as Neymar, in 2018.

Therefore, Flamengo is avoiding an early return, prioritizing a full recovery. Pulgar is expected to return to action in October, gradually being reinstated to the starting lineup depending on the medical department's approval.

FLAMENGO AND BOTAFOGO

Flamengo's next match will be against Botafogo on October 15th at 7:30 pm (Brasília time) at Nilton Santos Stadium, in the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match is considered crucial and could directly impact the battle for the top of the table.

Flamengo confirmed that defender Danilo will also be fined internally after his expulsion in the defeat to Bahia, in the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship, this Sunday (5), at Arena Fonte Nova. The club follows an internal disciplinary regulation that establishes different levels of punishment according to the nature of the infraction.

According to the club's protocol, there are clear distinctions between the types of red cards issued: one for a tactical foul is treated differently than one for recklessness, necessity, or unnecessary behavior. Each situation receives a specific penalty level . This information comes from the Coluna do Fla website.

Therefore, the punishment for Danilo , whose expulsion was considered the result of a reckless play, will be lighter , while that of Wallace Yan, expelled for a complaint and a minor assault in sequence, tends to be more severe.

DANILO WAS SENT OFF AFTER 12 MINUTES

In the 12th minute of the first half, Danilo lifted his foot too high during a dispute for the ball and hit Bahia striker Tiago in the face , who had anticipated the play. Referee Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima showed a straight red card, leaving Flamengo with ten men down early in the match.

WALLACE YAN WAS ALSO EXPELLED

Along with Danilo, striker Wallace Yan was also sent off in the second half . He came on in the 22nd minute and was removed from the game ten minutes later after receiving two yellow cards: the first for protesting and the second for hitting Bahia's Gilberto in the face.

As this is conduct considered unnecessary and avoidable, the player will be subject to a higher level of punishment within the club's internal regulations , resulting in a heavier fine.

34-year-old defender Pablo is in a delicate situation at Flamengo. Since the beginning of 2025, he has been training separately from the main squad , after coach Filipe Luís announced that he would not be counting on him for the season. The defender trains at CT Ninho do Urubu, at alternate times, and has not played an official match since the opening games of the Campeonato Carioca.

With a contract valid until December 2025, Pablo was released to look for a new club, but decided to fulfill his contract. The way the release was handled, however, sparked internal discussions and could result in legal action by the player, according to sources close to the athlete.

ISOLATED TRAINING ROUTINE

Since January, Pablo has been following a physical and technical training schedule under the supervision of the medical department and the performance committee. He uses the facilities at Ninho do Urubu, including the gym and auxiliary fields , but without interacting with the main squad.

On social media, the defender has been sharing snapshots of his daily routine, highlighting his resilience and professionalism. Even while on leave, he avoids making public statements about the situation, emphasizing his desire to continue working until the end of his contract.

EXPERTS EVALUATE

The handling of the case has drawn attention from sports law experts. Although the dismissal does not, in itself, constitute a breach of contract, lawyers point out that the player could claim indirect termination if there were evidence of moral harassment or lack of adequate working conditions.

However, as the club keeps its payments up to date and offers training facilities, Flamengo is likely to be legally protected. Similar cases, such as that of former midfielder Zé Roberto at Grêmio, have already been dismissed by courts. The club, for its part, is monitoring the situation but does not rule out a legal outcome at the end of the contract if an amicable termination agreement is not reached.