With the final stretch of the 2024 season approaching, Flamengo faces an important challenge after the injury to Pedro, who suffered a ruptured ligament in his left knee. The club's vice-president of football, Marcos Braz, stated in an interview with "Fla TV" that he will discuss with coach Tite and his committee the possibility of seeking a new reinforcement to make up for the striker's absence.

The Flamengo see you next time Tuesday (stipulated deadline) to regularize any player who may play for the team this season. However, the options available are limited, as only athletes without a contract can be signed outside the transfer window. Braz highlighted the difficulties in finding suitable names on the market.

"The window is practically over, and the restrictions are enormous in making a signing at this time. After the window closes, it is only possible to sign players who were already without a contract before closing. This greatly reduces the options", explained the manager.

Despite speculation about possible hiring, Marcos Braz highlighted that The red and black squad already has alternatives for the position. Flamengo has, in addition to Gabigol, who must take responsibility in the attack, other players who can perform the role, such as Carlinhos and Bruno Henrique, who can also be improvised as a center forward.

"We have three players who can play in this position. Gabigol has always solved our problems, we have Carlinhos and Bruno Henrique, who can play the role of 9. We will analyze calmly until Tuesday and decide what is best for Flamengo", concluded Braz.

Pedro's injury was a hard blow for the team, not only because of the impact on performance on the field, but also because of what it means behind the scenes. With a deep and talented cast, Flamengo tends to maintain its competitive level even with absences, thanks to a full bench. However, Pedro's departure raises the question of how the club will fill this gap.

Rumors about possible international reinforcements began to circulate quickly, with names like Memphis Depay, Martial and Mariano Díaz gaining prominence in the press. However, Flamengo's board is taking a cautious approach. According to information from UOL, two main factors are guiding the club's strategy: the performance of the players already available and the budget situation.

Firstly, Flamengo is evaluating the ability of its current players to cover Pedro's absence. Among the possible replacements, Gabigol, Bruno Henrique and Carlinhos are mentioned as viable options. These players have a history of good performance and familiarity with the style of play Flamengo, which could facilitate adaptation and minimize the impact of Pedro's injury.

In addition, the club's financial situation is a crucial point in the decision. With more than R$329 million invested in recent signings, Flamengo has already committed a significant part of its budget. This amount is just a little below the R$360.9 million spent in 2019, when President Rodolfo Landim made large investments. The high financial burden of previous signings implies a more restrictive management of available resources.

Flamengo's board also faces difficulties in relation to the sale of players, which further impacts the budget. Negotiations for transfers of Wesley and Fabrício Bruno did not progress as expected, resulting in a lower than desired performance in player sales. This limits the club's ability to invest in new reinforcements, especially in a competitive market.

On the arrival of Alex Sandro to Rio de Janeiro to join Flamengo, the player told FlaTV that he is physically well and that he hopes to be available to coach Tite as soon as possible. The full-back had been training at Portimonense, a club in the south of Portugal, and thanked those responsible for the team for opening the doors so he could maintain his fitness.

“I feel good, confident. I did a great job at Portimonense, I thank my friends responsible for the club. It was where I was very happy to be able to continue my evolution physically, technically. Now it’s time to get there, talk to the teacher, the doctor, the physical trainer, to really see when the beautiful debut date will be”, said Alex Sandro.

The full-back said he had been following Flamengo for a long time. small and that it is impossible to be in the world of football without keeping an eye on Mais Querido, and he assured that he is very happy to be part of the club, which wants to honor the Sacred Mantle and sees a good evolution in Brazilian football in recent years.

“It is impossible for a football player not to follow Flamengo. Since I was a boy in Bom Pastor de Catanduva I have been following. I think Brazilian football is undergoing great evolution and Flamengo is one of the clubs that is causing this. Today the Brazilian Championship is in the eyes of the whole world. Not just Flamengo, but other big teams too. But Flamengo really is something inexplicable. Wearing this mantle is a pride, an honor to be part of the Flamengo family”, he pointed out.

The player also revealed that he has a former red and black full-back as a great inspiration. Filipe Luís sent a message to Alex Sandro on social media and Mengão's new number 26 says he has great affection and admiration for Mais Querido's current under-20 coach, and that he tries to mirror his game in that of his idol. fans.

“Filipe Luís is a brother to me, a person I have always respected. He was always my mirror. Not only in the Brazilian National Team, but since Atlético de Madrid I always watched him how he played, because I always wanted to learn as much as possible from my teammates and everyone I know”, he concluded.