
Soccer
22 Out 2024 | 18:50 |
The medical examination carried out revealed that Michael's injury is very similar to the one that sidelined him for 35 days. The Flamengo striker suffered the problem during the match against Bahia, on August 28th. With the injury diagnosed on his right thigh, Michael needed a recovery period that kept him out of action until October 2nd, when he returned to the field in a clash against Corinthians. This return indicated the completion of a cycle of treatment and rehabilitation, which raises some concerns for the club's medical department given the player's recent history.
In addition to Michael, another important member of the squad, Nicolás De La Cruz, also faced problems in the same body region. The Uruguayan midfielder suffered a thigh injury right in the same game against Bahia, in August, and ended up being away for 21 days. Unlike Michael, De La Cruz managed to return earlier, making his official return on September 19, in a decisive Libertadores duel against Peñarol. Since then, the midfielder has participated in six matches, showing signs of a more stable recovery so far. This quick return to the rhythm of the game indicates an efficient recovery process and good physical planning, but does not eliminate the risk of recurrences .
FLAMENGO HAS A HEADACHE
The similarity between the two players' injuries brings to light the importance of prevention and physical preparation. In cases of recurring injuries, as in thigh, it is essential to thoroughly assess the wear level of athletes, especially in simultaneous competitions and constant travel. Flamengo, aware of the challenges, has invested in improving the management of its medical department and the personalization of training to reduce the chances of new episodes. However, the overload of games, added to the high intensity of competitions, continues to be a constant point of alert for health professionals and club preparation.
MICHAEL AND DE LA CRUZ
Care must be taken extra at decisive moments of the season, where each absence can influence the team's collective performance. Michael's return against Corinthians was positive, but the risk of a worsening situation cannot be ignored if there is no full recovery. In the case of From La Cruz, his faster return was a positive surprise, but Flamengo still needs to monitor his physical condition carefully to avoid new injuries that could compromise the rest of the season. This monitoring includes a balance between recovery time, specific training and a progressive workload.
Another point worth highlighting is the impact of these injuries on the team's tactical strategy. Flamengo depends on the explosiveness and creativity of both players to open up opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities. Without Michael, the team loses an opportunity for speed and dribbling; Without De La Cruz, the loss is felt in the construction of plays and control of the midfield. Managing these absences becomes crucial for the coach, who needs to find alternative tactical schemes and players capable of temporarily filling these gaps without compromising collective performance.
After the return of athletes who were on national teams, the red-black team completes the assembly of the squad and prepares to debut in the Women's Super League 25/26
15 Set 2025 | 23:36 |
Sesc Flamengo began training with the full squad for the 2025/26 season of the Women's Superliga this Monday (15). The last athletes to show up were Helena Wenk, Laís, Lorena, Tainara and Masa Kirov, who were competing in international tournaments for the Brazilian and Serbian national teams.
During their time with their national teams, several players achieved significant achievements. Helena, Laís, Lorena, and Tainara won silver in the Nations League and bronze at the World Cup with the Brazilian national team. Tainara also shone, winning bronze at the U-21 World Cup . Masa Kirov represented Serbia in competitions such as the VNL, the U-21 World Cup, and the adult World Cup.
Other athletes also collected titles before the preseason. Julliana Granda and Adria won the Junior Pan American Championships with the U-23 team, while Camila Mesquita took bronze at the U-16 Universiade. These three athletes had already been training with the group in recent weeks.
Sesc Flamengo is undergoing a major overhaul and has introduced important reinforcements. Among the standouts are opposite Tainara, signed from Shanghai Bright (China), setter Giovana, American outside hitter Simone Lee, middle blocker Masa Kirov, and setter Vivian . While awaiting the return of coach Bernardinho, currently leading the Men's National Team at the World Cup, the team remains under the interim leadership of Hélio Griner.
The Women's Superliga debut is scheduled for October 20th against Paulistano/Barueri at Tijuca Tênis Clube. The project, a partnership between Flamengo, RJ Vôlei, and Sesc, received direct investment from Flamengo and aims to position the team among the four largest in the country in terms of budget, aiming to compete for national and international titles.
The Argentine team confirms losses in defense and attack for the first leg of the quarterfinals against Mengão, this Thursday, at Maracanã
15 Set 2025 | 22:10 |
Estudiantes announced this Monday (15) two confirmed absences for the match against Flamengo , valid for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match is scheduled for this Thursday, at Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro . The return game will be held seven days later, in Argentina.
The first player to be out is 33-year-old defender González Pírez , a River Plate youth product. The defender suffered a Grade 3 hamstring injury in his right thigh and is expected to be out for at least a month , ruling him out of both matches against the red-and-blacks.
Without further ado, coach Eduardo Domínguez confirmed that Santiago Núñez will replace González Pírez . The defender had already replaced his injured teammate in the match against River Plate and scored Estudiantes' only goal in the 2-1 defeat.
The club expects to maintain defensive consistency even without its regular starter . The Argentine coach has emphasized in previous interviews the importance of maintaining tactical discipline to balance the match against Flamengo at Maracanã.
In attack, 27-year-old Colombian Edwuin Cetré is also out of the match in Rio de Janeiro. The forward suffered a grade 1 muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg . He is expected to be available for the return leg on September 25th.
The La Plata club's representative reinforced Mengão's glaring economic difference, but remains confident of qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition.
15 Set 2025 | 21:00 |
This Thursday (18), Flamengo begins the dispute of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores against Estudiantes, at Maracanã. On the eve of the confrontation, the president and idol of the Argentine club, Juan Sebastián Verón, spoke about the expectations for the duel against Rubro-Negro.
During an institutional event in La Plata, Verón highlighted the financial difference between the teams , with Mengão being the team with the highest market value among the tournament participants, but recalled Estudiantes ' tradition of overcoming opponents considered favorites.
Estudiantes' Verón on Flamengo in the Libertadores: "Yes, the challenge is difficult"
"Obviously, we know the power of our opponent, but we also know that we've been through similar situations against important teams, and that the club, given its history, has risen to the occasion. We've always kept this in mind: yes, the challenge is difficult, but we can excel and represent the club well , regardless of the result. We've experienced this before, and we continue to do so," the director stated.
In the early 1990s, Verón began his career at Estudiantes and played in the 2-0 victory over Flamengo in the 1994 Supercopa Libertadores . In addition to his former club, the former midfielder also shone for major teams such as Boca Juniors, Lazio, Manchester United and Inter Milan . In 2007, he returned to Estudiantes and was a key player in their 2009 Copa Libertadores victory.
Verón retired in 2014, but returned to the field three years later as a player-president . His last official match came in 2017, against Botafogo, also in the Copa Libertadores, during the group stage.