Filipe Luís names team with Jorginho against Estudiantes; see probable lineup

Flamengo finalized, this Wednesday (24), its preparation for the clash that is worth a place in the semifinal of the Copa Libertadores , against Estudiantes, in Argentina. The red-black team, under the command of Filipe Luís, trained at the CT of Defensa y Justicia , close to the hotel where the squad is staying, and concluded the final adjustments for the duel.

Coach Filipe Luís opted to hold a training session closed to the press , increasing the mystery surrounding the lineup. Therefore, the starting lineup will likely only be officially announced about an hour before kickoff, when the official roster is released.

JORGINHO REMAINS DOUBTFUL

For Thursday's decisive match, Filipe Luís has a crucial doubt: midfielder Jorginho . The Italian-Brazilian has suffered thigh pain in recent weeks and missed the matches against Juventude and Estudiantes . Although he has already trained with the squad and traveled to Argentina, it is not yet clear whether he will be fit to play from the start.

In a recent interview, Jorginho himself expressed his desire to be on the field and stated that he is doing everything possible to help the team . However, the final decision will be made by the coaching staff, who will evaluate his physical condition up until moments before the match.

OPTIONS FOR THE MIDFIELD

If Jorginho is unfit to start, Filipe Luís could turn to Uruguayan De la Cruz to fill the midfield alongside Saúl Ñíguez , who has been gaining ground in the team. Other options in the midfield are Allan and Everton Araújo, who also traveled with the delegation.

Striker Paolo Guerrero was one of the most talked-about signings in Flamengo's restructuring. However, according to former player Héctor Canteros, who currently plays for Sacachispas (ARG), the Peruvian was "scared" when he saw the structure of the Ninho do Urubu Training Center at the time and even expressed a desire to leave the club.

In an interview with ESPN, Canteros revealed that Guerrero had come from Corinthians, then considered a benchmark for infrastructure, and found himself at a Flamengo club in full transition. " As soon as he arrived at the training center, he wanted to leave immediately. Everyone talked to him about staying. Director Rodrigo Caetano and I spoke to him ," he recounted.

At that time, Flamengo was still moving into its new training center, and many areas were under construction. According to Canteros, the environment was "rooted" compared to Corinthians, but today the club enjoys a different reality, with a hotel and complete facilities for its athletes. " When I get together with Paolo, we laugh a lot about this story. Flamengo is on a different level today ," concluded the Argentine.

GUERRERO'S TRAJECTORY

Despite a turbulent start, Guerrero adapted to the club and became a key player between 2015 and 2018. In total, the striker played 115 matches, scored 43 goals, and provided 13 assists for Flamengo . His biggest title was the 2017 Campeonato Carioca, before leaving Flamengo the following year.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (25) to face Estudiantes, in Argentina, for the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, on pay TV, and on the Disney+ streaming service.

Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (25) to face Estudiantes at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, Argentina , for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Conmebol Libertadores 2025.

The Rubro-Negro won the first leg at Maracanã 2-1 and only needs a draw away from home to secure a spot in the semifinals. The Argentines, on the other hand, need to win by two or more goals to advance in regulation. If they win by the narrowest of margins, the match will be decided on penalties.

MATCH BROADCAST

The match between Estudiantes and Flamengo will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) . Kick-off is at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), with pre-match coverage starting at 9:15 PM.

TEAM SHORTAGES

Estudiantes will have one confirmed absence for the rematch with Flamengo. Left-back Leandro González Pírez is still recovering in the medical department and is out of the match . Meanwhile, forward Edwuin Cetré is racing against time to be available for coach Eduardo Domínguez.

Flamengo is expected to have a full complement of players for the clash in La Plata. After rotating his squad for the derby against Vasco last weekend , coach Filipe Luís named his key players. The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar, who is recovering from surgery on his right foot.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Students (ARG): Muslera; Román Gómez, Santiago Núñez, Facundo Rodríguez, Arzamendia; Amondarain, Ascacíbar, Piovi, Palacios (Medina), Facundo Farías; Carrillo. Coach: Eduardo Domínguez.

Flamengo (BRA): Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro (Ayrton Lucas); Jorginho (De la Cruz), Saul, Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luis.