Flamengo debuts in the Copinha with young promise in the spotlight

Flamengo's journey in the fight for the Brazilian Championship title continues this Sunday (03), when the team faces Ceará, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the competition. This Saturday (02), coach Filipe Luís released the list of players related to the confrontation .

PLAYERS RELATED BY FLAMENGO

• Goalkeepers: Dyogo Alves, Léo Nannetti and Rossi
• Defenders: Cleiton, João Victor, Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira
• Full-backs: Varela, Matías Viña, Alex Sandro, Ayrton Lucas and Emerson Royal
• Midfielders: Allan, Arrascaeta, Evertton Araújo, Jorginho, Victor Hugo, Matheus Gonçalves and Saúl
• Forwards: Bruno Henrique, Gonzalo Plata, Juninho and Samuel Lino

RUBRO-NEGRO'S SHORTAGES

Filipe Luís is still without Michael and Danilo, both of whom have been medically injured. Nico De La Cruz remains out, undergoing physical reconditioning. Flamengo, on the other hand, will have important reinforcements for the match. Arrascaeta and Jorginho, who missed the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG , are back. The recent debuts of Samuel Lino, Emerson Royal, and Saúl are also among the highlights of the call-up.

LAST MINUTE ABSENCES

Two names were left off the list for specific reasons. Luiz Araújo was rested due to physical activity management, aiming to avoid strain that could lead to muscle injuries . Goalkeeper Matheus Cunha was not included due to patellar tendinitis in his left knee. Both remained in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo heads into the 18th round of the Brasileirão (Brazilian Championship) as leader, with 36 points. Cruzeiro, with 34, is second, but has already played one more match.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

After completing preparations this Saturday, Flamengo takes to the field this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm , against Ceará, at Arena Castelão. The match will be broadcast live on the Premiere channel (pay-per-view), Record and on Cazé TV.

The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) Prosecutor's Office has charged Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique with alleged match-fixing. In response, the number 27's defense issued a statement to the 'Coluna do Fla' portal, refuting the accusation.

Flamengo's Bruno Henrique defended: "He was punished with a card in a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul"

WHAT DOES BRUNO HENRIQUE'S DEFENSE SAY?

" Bruno Henrique was booked for a play in which, obviously, there wasn't even a foul. The claim that receiving a card for this play—in which there wasn't even a foul—was intended to influence the outcome of the match or the championship is absurd . The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) itself had previously dismissed a case based on the same allegations. The athlete's defense will demonstrate that this new complaint should also be dismissed."

CAN BRUNO HENRIQUE PLAY AGAINST CEARÁ?

Despite the complaint, Bruno Henrique remains free to play until the case is judged and should be included normally for the game between Flamengo and Ceará, this Sunday (3), at 6:30 pm, for the 18th round of the Brasileirão, at Arena Castelão.

IN WHICH ARTICLES WAS IT FRAMED?

The STJD Prosecutor's Office framed the player under two articles of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD):

• Article 243, §1: provides for a suspension of 360 to 720 days for those who commit serious infractions related to sports ethics.
• Article 243-A: deals with conduct intended to influence the results of matches, events or competitions, with a penalty of 12 to 24 games suspension.

The complaint will still be analyzed, and the athlete will have the right to a full defense before any trial.

Flamengo's transfer window isn't over yet . Football director José Boto is still looking for two specific reinforcements to further strengthen the squad led by Filipe Luís . The club has already signed five players, but the board believes there are still gaps to be filled. This information comes from the 'GE' portal.

ATTACK REMAINS A PRIORITY

The main movement continues to be for Fiorentina striker Lucas Beltrán . A deal with the Italian club is already in place, and now the only thing left to do is convince the player. The Argentine, who was initially reluctant about a return to South American football, is beginning to welcome the club's offer .

DEFENSE IS ALSO ON THE RADAR

In addition to a striker, Flamengo is seeking another defender. The need has been evident in recent games. With Danilo injured, only Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira remain as reliable options . Since Filipe Luís rarely uses the youngsters from the youth academy, the starting duo's fatigue has been noticeable—especially in the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG, where their physical and mental fatigue was evident in the goal conceded. Although signing a defender is not considered a priority, the topic is being discussed internally, and José Boto is evaluating options on the market.

WINDOW IS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Flamengo still has time to finalize new deals. The transfer window in Brazil opened on July 10th and will remain open until September 2nd. Despite this, the board believes that the sooner the reinforcements are finalized , the sooner coach Filipe Luís will be able to count on a full squad.

FLAMENGO ADD FIVE REINFORCEMENTS

So far, the club has signed five players : Saúl Ñíguez and Samuel Lino, both from Atlético Madrid; Emerson Royal, a right-back from Milan; Jorginho, a former Arsenal midfielder, signed during the Club World Cup transfer window; and Jorge Carrascal, a Colombian midfielder from Dynamo Moscow, who is already in Rio and should be officially confirmed soon. With the transfer window open until early September, more news is expected in the coming days.