Flamengo faces Fluminense in the Brasileirão without 6 players

Striker Carlinhos, 28, has failed to establish himself at Vitória and is expected to return to Flamengo at the end of the season . Loaned to the Bahian club until December, he has only played 20 matches and scored four goals, figures considered below expectations by the Leão coaching staff.

Earlier this year, while still with Flamengo , Carlinhos played in the Campeonato Carioca and scored three goals. However, he couldn't maintain that streak at Vitória . He struggled to establish himself as a starter and lost ground throughout the Brasileirão. This information comes from the Bolavip portal.

VITÓRIA DOES NOT INTEND TO KEEP THE ATTACKER

Behind the scenes, Vitória has already signaled that it does not intend to extend the loan. The internal assessment is that the player's cost-benefit ratio does not justify a new move , which paves the way for a return to Flamengo . The decision is expected to be official in December, when the contract between the clubs ends.

CONTRACTUAL SITUATION WITH FLAMENGO

Carlinhos' contract with Flamengo runs until December 2026, but his return to the main squad is uncertain. This is because the Flamengo attack has several established options, reducing the striker's chances of playing under Filipe Luís. Given this scenario, the board is considering new options: another loan in 2026 or even a permanent deal to avoid losing market value.

INDEFINITE FUTURE

Signed with the expectation of being a replacement in attack, Carlinhos had opportunities but failed to establish a strong run . In Salvador, he also received opportunities, but his effectiveness fell short of expectations.

With his return virtually certain, the striker awaits the next steps from the club's board. His future could involve another loan in Brazil or even an international transfer, should an offer arise that is attractive to all parties.

After competing in the Club World Cup, Flamengo traded Gerson to Zenit of Russia for €25 million. The midfielder, who signed a contract until 2030, pushed behind the scenes for the transfer to be completed given the financial offer was considered irresistible .

However, his time in Russian football has been marked by physical problems . The player suffered an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right leg and has been sidelined for over a month. Gerson last played on August 23rd.

NEST RECOVERY

According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, Gerson asked Flamengo for permission to undergo treatment at the Ninho do Urubu training center . Flamengo's board granted the go-ahead, but the plan still requires approval from Zenit.

BAP CLOSES ITS DOORS

Fabrício Lopes on Gerson and Flamengo: "Bap doesn't see the possibility of a return"

Despite the nearing recovery, the possibility of a return to the red-black squad has been ruled out. According to Fabrício Lopes, president Luiz Eduardo Baptista (BAP) is not considering bringing the midfielder back after leaving through the 'back door' .

"Gerson was injured in Russia and asked Flamengo if he could recover at Ninho do Urubu with Flamengo's doctors . The Rio de Janeiro club said yes, but he needs to get authorization from the Russians. Now, if Gerson asks to return to play for Flamengo, that's a bad thing. Bap doesn't see a return," the journalist said on the Resenha Rubro-Negra channel.

Uncertain future

With a contract with Zenit until 2030, Gerson could seek a departure as early as January, given the instability at the Russian club. While not in Ancelotti's plans for the last Brazilian national team call-up, the player still wants to return to Mengão , albeit on loan, to gain visibility and dream of the World Cup.

Former Flamengo coach Renato Gaúcho surprised everyone by announcing his resignation from Fluminense following their Copa Sudamericana elimination to Lanús. At the Maracanã, Fluminense drew 1-1, but having lost the first leg 1-0, they were ultimately eliminated from the international competition .

POSSIBLE CAREER BREAK

Without a club, Renato Gaúcho is considering his next steps. The coach has been showing discomfort with the criticism he's received, especially on social media, and hasn't ruled out taking a career break . It's worth noting that in September, the coach had already considered leaving Fluminense and has now officially confirmed his departure following the elimination.

FLUMINENSE'S DISMISSAL

Renato Gaúcho, ex-Flamengo, after Fluminense's elimination: "I just resigned to the president"

During the post-match press conference, Renato answered questions normally until he was asked a final question . At that point, the coach, who worked for Mais Querido in 2021, revealed the decision he had already communicated to the club's president.

"I shouldn't even be talking to you about this; the president is the one who's going to speak out. But all these questions, from some internet geniuses, a lot of people are going after these geniuses . Before I came here, I just resigned to the president," Renato said.

He then added: "From now on, there will be another guy here. You'll ask him the same questions, and I want to see his answers . I want to see if he'll field the team the fans want or the team he has in his head," the coach concluded.