OUT OF COMBAT! ARRASCAETA AND CEBOLINHA LEAVE FLAMENGO AGAINST BRAGANTINO THIS SATURDAY

The presence of Bruno Henrique could be the key for Flamengo to overcome difficulties in the final stretch of the 2024 season. The team, under the command of coach Tite, remains active in all competitions, but lost Pedro, the team's top scorer. Brazil in the year, which shook confidence in the offensive sector. Gabigol and Carlinhos, immediate replacements for the center forward position, have not yet demonstrated the necessary security to maintain the goalscoring pace that the team needs.

Bruno Henrique, who has shone brightly in other moments for Flamengo, especially in the 2019 campaign under the command of Jorge Jesus, could be the solution to the problems in attack. He was tested by Tite as a center forward in some matches, but ended up losing space in the starting lineup. However, his versatility opens up an important possibility of resuming his role as number 9, something that Flamengo director Bruno Spindel recently highlighted at a press conference. Spindel mentioned that Bruno Henrique is a viable option for the position, expanding the possibilities for tactical adjustments in the team.

CAN THE KING OF AMERICA SAVE FLAMENGO?

< Bruno Henrique's performance as a center forward proved to be relevant in crucial moments, such as in the recent 1-0 victory against Bahia, in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. The player, known for his decision-making ability in classics, scored the winning goal with a header, showing that, even out of his original position, he can still be decisive for the team. This result gives Flamengo an important advantage in the return match, which will take place on September 12th.

Bruno Henrique's story on Flamengoalready has remarkable passages, the most brilliant being in 2019, when under the command of Jorge Jesus, he experienced his peak with the red-black shirt. At that time, although he officially played as a left winger, his role on the field was much more dynamic. With Gabigol occupying a more advanced position in the attack, Bruno's movement was essential to create scoring opportunities. Gabigol dropped back to help with creation, often collaborating with Everton Ribeiro on the right, while Bruno Henrique took advantage of the spaces in the area to finish the plays.

According to Ge, O Flamengo faces an important dilemma with the absence of Pedro, sidelined by a serious injury to his left knee. The center forward, a fundamental piece in the tactical scheme of the team and the Brazilian team, will be left out for an indefinite period of time, which has brought up an internal discussion at the club: whether or not to seek an immediate replacement for the number 9? Several factors complicate this decision, such as the high cost of possible signings, the time needed to adapt a new athlete and the scarcity of quality options available on the market.

Pedro's injury doesn't just affect the Flamengoin the short term, but it could have a significant impact on the competitions in which the club is involved: Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Brasileiro and Libertadores. Pedro had been one of the team's top scorers and protagonists, playing a crucial role in finishing offensive plays. His absence leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill with the players currently available in the squad. Thus, the red and black board is forced to consider whether to invest in a new center forward or trust in a homemade solution.

A SOLUTION IN SIGHT OF FLAMENGO

The club has carried out surveys and seen indications for the signing of players who are "free" on the market and without a contract. The decision to hire a new center forward is not simple, and some points make this process difficult. First, the high cost involved. The transfer window is closed to international signings, and the players available on the national market are either under contract with other teams, which makes the operation more expensive, or do not have the technical level that Flamengo demands.

In addition Furthermore, free athletes on the market generally come from a long period of inactivity, either due to previous injuries or because they have not been linked to a club for months. This lack of rhythm in the game is a real concern for the technical committee and the board, as the Flamengo needs a player who can enter the field and perform immediately, without go through a long period of adaptation or physical recovery. In Pedro's case, the injury occurred at a crucial moment of the season, and the club needs quick responses, especially in short-range competitions like the Copa do Brasil.

After weeks away due to an injury, the Uruguayan midfielderGiorgian De Arrascaeta is close to returning to the field. The player, who is a key player in the Flamengo, has entered the final phase of recovery, and the expectation within the club is that his return will occur in the next matches. Arrascaeta suffered a muscle injury that ruled him out of the last rounds of the Brazilian Championship and compromised his participation in other important competitions, such as the Libertadores.

The midfielder's absence was greatly felt, as he is considered one of the players most creative and decisive of the red and black cast. However, the club's medical department has been working intensely to ensure his full recovery, without rushing to put him on the field before he is 100% fit.

A RETURN IMMINENT TO THE MOST FAVORITE

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According to information from the club, Arrascaeta is in the last phase of his treatment, which involves transition work with physical preparation. This means that the Uruguayan has already overcome the most intensive care phase and is now focusing on regaining his physical shape and getting back into his game, something fundamental to his style. Flamengo has adopted a cautious approach to avoid any type of relapse, a common procedure when it comes to muscle injuries, especially in players who play such a dynamic and creative role on the field.

This last stage involves activities such as light running, muscle strengthening exercises and even ball training in reduced spaces, without the pressure of a competitive game. Depending on how the athlete responds to these stimuli, he may be released to train with the rest of the squad in the coming weeks.