Flamengo has another absence to face LDU in the Libertadores

Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 last Saturday (16) at the Stadium of Light, in the opening round of the Premier League. On the London side, Lucas Paquetá, a Flamengo product, tried to take on the role of main articulator, but was unable to avoid defeat. With his future still uncertain , coach Graham Potter continues to treat the Brazilian as a key player for the season, according to information from journalist Fabrizio Romano .

Fabrizio Romano on the former Flamengo player: "Graham Potter made clear to West Ham his desire to keep Lucas Paquetá"

The statement contrasts with the news published by the same journalist on Friday (15), that the number 10 was evaluating proposals to leave the club during this window. Romano even published: "Graham Potter made clear to West Ham his desire to keep Lucas Paquetá. The coach also spoke with the player, who has been considering proposals for weeks , but has the coach's full confidence."

CAREER AT WEST HAM

At the club since 2022, Paquetá has a contract until 2026 and is considered the most technical player in midfield, with the versatility to play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even on the wings. In 2023, he was a target of Manchester City, receiving public praise from Pep Guardiola . Talks progressed but cooled after allegations of betting manipulation.

BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM

During the investigation, the former Flamengo player was overlooked by Fernando Diniz, Dorival Júnior, and Carlo Ancelotti, who chose not to call him up . Even so, they all emphasized that the player remains a high-level option for the national team.

PAQUETA CASE

Despite being acquitted by the Football Association (FA) of match-fixing charges, Paquetá was found guilty of failing to cooperate with the proceedings by refusing to provide requested information. His sentence has not yet been determined, but he is expected to receive a fine, which may or may not be paid by West Ham, but there is no chance of a suspension.

Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. In addition to the Brazilian duel, the round also features the clash between Estudiantes (ARG) and Cerro Porteño (PAR) , at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium. The winners of the two series will face each other in the quarterfinals.

LIBERTADORES GAMES TODAY

• 7pm – Estudiantes vs Cerro Porteño – Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium
• 9:30 pm – Internacional x Flamengo – Beira-Rio
• (Brasília time)

Estudiantes opens the doubleheader by hosting Cerro Porteño at 7 p.m. The Argentine team won the first leg 1-0 and therefore has the advantage of a draw to advance. Having the right to play at home, the Argentine club is the clear favorite in this match.

Next up, at 9:30 p.m., Internacional vs. Flamengo will play. Filipe Luís's team has the advantage after winning the first leg, also 1-0 , at Maracanã, with a goal from Bruno Henrique. Thus, Internacional can also draw to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

HOW DOES FLAMENGO ARRIVE?

The only confirmed absence is Erick Pulgar, who is still recovering from surgery on his right foot. Emerson Royal is doubtful : the full-back missed the last Brasileirão match after suffering an ankle sprain, but traveled with the team.

WHERE TO WATCH INTERNACIONAL X FLAMENGO?

The match between Flamengo and Internacional will be broadcast on Globo (free-to-air TV), ESPN (pay TV), and Disney+ (streaming) . Mengão only needs a draw to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. If Flamengo wins by one goal, the match will go to penalties.

One of Flamengo's biggest moves in 2025 was the signing of Jorginho, formerly of Arsenal (ENG). The number 21 quickly adapted to Filipe Luís's system and has already established himself as a starter in the Flamengo midfield. In an interview with ESPN, coach Mikel Arteta, who managed the Italian-Brazilian in England, recalled conversations with the player before his transfer to the Rio de Janeiro club .

Arteta talks about Jorginho at Flamengo: "He had a very clear desire to end his career in Brazil"

"We had several conversations to understand how far we wanted to go together, or not. He was very clear about his desire to finish his career in Brazil; he was waiting for an opportunity. When it came, I saw him very convinced, at every level ," Arteta said, before adding:

"First on a personal level, with his family, and then on a professional level, returning to compete in the country of his birth. It was an honor for me to have him here. I made the most of my day-to-day life with him, not only as a player , but also as a person and a leader . I wish him all the best," concluded the coach.

WHEN DID FLAMENGO HIRE JORGINHO?

Flamengo officially announced Jorginho's arrival in June 2025, with the Club World Cup in mind. The club didn't have to pay Arsenal, as the player had already terminated his contract with the English club . Since then, the midfielder has played 13 games, scored one goal, and provided two assists.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With Jorginho available, Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20) to face Internacional, at Beira-Rio, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Mengão only needs a draw to qualify for the quarterfinals.