"LOSS TO THE SHOW", SAYS DORIVAL ABOUT INJURY TO FLAMENGO'S PLAYER BEFORE THE BRAZILIAN CUP

After the elimination in the Copa Libertadores of America and the poor performance in the Brazilian Championship, the fans of the red and black place their hopes in the final of the Copa do Brasil. However, an event disturbs the fans' sleep: the injuries to Arrascaeta and Luiz Araújo were confirmed, which became a doubt for the confrontation with São Paulo. In this context, Dorival Júnior, former coach of Flamengo and current São Paulo, talks about the possibility that the Uruguayan will not be present in the final.

This Monday (28), the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) organized an event to draw the field men for the final between Flamengo and São Paulo for the Copa do Brasil. After the ceremony, Dorival was asked about the possible embezzlement of the Uruguayan: "I think everyone knows Arrascaeta. It is natural that it would be a loss for the show, for Flamengo, in this case. It is very difficult to talk about the opposing team, but he is a player who represents a lot", he said.

Last Saturday (26), Flamengo and Internacional faced each other, with a final score of 0 to 0. Right at the beginning of the first half, at 15 minutes, Arrascaeta felt discomfort in his thigh and asked to leave the field, being replaced by Victor Hugo. On Monday (28), the athlete underwent tests that confirmed an injury to the femoral biceps of his left leg. Depending on the level of the injury, the athlete can be absent from the fields for up to three months, which would mean an embezzlement in the Copa do Brasil.

In addition, Luiz Araújo also suffered an injury during the duel with Internacional . The athlete tried to change the course of the match in the 31st minute of the first half, when he started a run on the right side of Flamengo's attack. However, during the play, the player felt discomfort in the back of his left thigh. The attacker received medical attention, but it was not enough to continue on the field. In the end, Everton Ribeiro entered the pitch to replace his teammate. This Monday (28), after tests, his injury was also confirmed by Flamengo, and the player is in the same condition as Arrascaeta.

With likely absences of Arrascaeta and Luiz Araújo, Flamengo and Botafogo face off next Saturday (02) in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. The duel takes place at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Estádio Nilton Santos. Currently, Mais Querido occupies the fourth position in the Brazilian Championship. The club's objective is to overcome the difference of 15 points between Rubro-Negro and Botafogo, current leader of the competition.