Michael’s injury “facilitates” Flamengo’s decision on registration for the Libertadores

Tite defined Flamengo and announced the 11 starters who will face Peñarol, this Thursday, at Maracanã, at 7pm. De la Cruz returns to the starting lineup in place of Léo Ortiz, and Alex Sandro and Plata were retained. The duel with the Uruguayans is the first between the teams in the quarter-finals of the Copa Conmebol Libertadores. Follow the Red and Black lineup:Rossi, Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, De la Cruz, Gerson and Arrascaeta; Plata and Bruno Henrique.

Alex Sandro and Plata, debutants in last Sunday's classic, remain in the team after having good performances in the draw against Vasco. Gabigol is now out of the relationship due to fibrosis in the posterior muscle of his right thigh. Flamengo, in a statement, reported that the athlete did not suffer any injury in the region. Check it out:

"The Clube de Regatas do Flamengo informs that the athlete Gabriel Barbosa underwent tests that did not diagnose an injury to the posterior muscle of his right thigh. However, the Technical Committee opted for precaution and did not list him for the duel against Peñarol due to fibrosis in the region. Gabi is handed over to physiotherapists and physical trainers for the series of decisive games of the season."

Flamengo faces Peñarol (URU) in the first game of the CONMEBOL Libertadores quarter-finals and, here, you can watch the broadcast, live, with 2h30 of pre-game, interviews, the team's arrival at Maracanã and everything more.

Follow the match live here:

Last Sunday, Alex Sandro experienced one of the most memorable moments of his career when he debuted at Flamengo, during an important classic. In a post on social media, the player expressed his gratitude to the fans and highlighted the special meaning of finally wearing the red and black shirt, something he always wanted.

Alex Sandro did not hide his emotion when describing the debut for the club as the realization of a long-time dream. The player, who has already played for other teams, had been waiting for the opportunity to join Flamengo's squad. For him, playing for the Rio team goes beyond sporting issues: it is an opportunity to connect with one of the most passionate fans in Brazil, something he valued in his message.

With a solid career so far, Alex Sandro was already used to big games and intense rivalries, but the weight of a classic for Flamengo brought a different emotion. The player highlighted, in his publication, that the support of the fans was essential, highlighting that fans are a crucial part of the team's success. The tone of the post, in addition to celebrating the moment, reflected the respect and importance he gives to the role of the fans in the team's performance.

Although Alex Sandro's debut was a personal milestone, the match in itself was also significant for Flamengo. The team faced one of its biggest rivals, and the player's presence brought new tactical possibilities to the team. During the 90 minutes, Alex Sandro showed ease, even though it was his first match in the Flamengo, signaling that it is ready to contribute to the team in future challenges.