Flamengo manager states that the club will not make any more signings: "We have ended our participation"

Tite defined Flamengo and announced the 11 starters who will face Peñarol, this Thursday, at Maracanã, at 7pm. De la Cruz returns to the starting lineup in place of Léo Ortiz, and Alex Sandro and Plata were retained. The duel with the Uruguayans is the first between the teams in the quarter-finals of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores. Follow the Red and Black lineup:Rossi, Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, De la Cruz, Gerson and Arrascaeta; Plata and Bruno Henrique.

Alex Sandro and Plata, debutants in last Sunday's classic, remain in the team after having good performances in the draw against Vasco. Gabigol is now out of the relationship due to fibrosis in the posterior muscle of his right thigh. Flamengo, in a statement, reported that the athlete did not suffer any injury in the region. Check it out:

"The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo informs that the athlete Gabriel Barbosa underwent tests that did not diagnose an injury to the posterior muscle of his right thigh. However, the Technical Committee opted for precaution and did not list him for the duel against Peñarol due to fibrosis in the region. Gabi is handed over to physiotherapists and physical trainers for the series of decisive games of the season."

Flamengo faces Peñarol (URU) in the first game of the CONMEBOL Libertadores quarter-finals and, here, you can watch the broadcast, live, with 2h30 of pre-game, interviews, the team's arrival at Maracanã and everything more.

Follow the match live here:

In recent days, Flamengo's board decided not to move forward in the search for a replacement for Pedro, who is injured. Although the possibility of signing a new striker was considered, the idea lost strength and, now, the club is inclined to maintain the current squad without looking for a replacement on the market.

The scenario began to change when the Flamengo received several offers from players to make up for Pedro's absence. Clubs and businesspeople saw the attacker's injury as an opportunity to present names to Rubro-Negro, hoping that the board would choose to bring a new player to the attack. However, the club was not excited about the options offered.

The main reason for the decision not to go to the market is related to the high investment that would be necessary to bring in a quality player compatible with the current squad. . Flamengo has already made major signings in recent years and, given the financial conditions and strategic planning, the club considers that a new major investment is not viable at this time.

Another factor that weighed on the decision was the restricted market. In this transfer window, the options for attackers who could really add to the team are limited. Many of the players offered do not meet the technical standards required by the coaching staff and the board. Furthermore, Flamengo understands that bringing an athlete who is not 100% physically or in full shape could be more harmful than beneficial, considering the demands of the season.

The physical conditions of potential competitors Internals also influenced the choice. Flamengo's current squad has other attackers who can take on the position of Pedro during his absence, and the coaching staff trusts that these players have the ability to maintain the team's level of competitiveness. The understanding is that betting on athletes already integrated into the squad can be a more practical and effective solution, avoiding the need to adapt a new player at a crucial moment of the season.