Flamengo faces Chapecoense to close the gap on Palmeiras

The team led by Portuguese Leonardo Jardim arrives on a high note after ending the season without defeat. During the preparation in Portugal, they drew 2-2 with River Plate, beat Lausanne-Sport 2-0 and beat Benfica 2-1. Back in Brazil, they confirmed their good moment by defeating Olimpia, from Paraguay, 4-2, last Friday, in a friendly played at the Mané Garrincha stadium, in Brasília.

Flamengo will have the return of midfielder Arrascaeta, recovered from injuries and listed after three months. The Uruguayan, who did not play in the World Cup because of an injury to his right collarbone, is recovering from surgery there and should start the match on the bench.

Defenders Léo Pereira and Danilo, full-backs Varela and Alex Sandro and striker Gonzalo Plata are also back after their participation in the World Cup. The coaching staff, however, will have absences in midfield. Lucas Paquetá is out due to injury, De la Cruz will be preserved and Carrascal is suspended.

Defender Léo Ortiz continues to recover from an injury to his right thigh. Striker Luiz Araújo was absent after injuring his left knee in the friendly against Olimpia.

Midfielder Lorran could get an opportunity. Back at the club after a period on loan from Italian football, the “Garoto do Ninho” stood out during the interseason and received praise from Leonardo Jardim.

"He plays in a slightly different position to Arrascaeta and Paquetá, he plays on the right midfield. I drew his attention at the beginning of the game against Olimpia for not developing the role we had prepared for, but then he improved in positional terms, in offensive terms and managed to create situations. He even scored a goal. He is a player who should grow in the team within our planning", he explained.

Chapecoense has already resumed its participation in the Brasileirão and will play its second match since the stoppage. Last Friday, the team from Santa Catarina was defeated 2-0 by Bahia, at Arena Fonte Nova, in a late fourth round match.

The club is at the bottom of the competition, with just nine points, 12 less than Grêmio, the first team outside the relegation zone.

Coach Rafael Lacerda must make specific changes based on the performance of the last match. The tendency is for right-back Everton and striker Italo to be the main additions among the starters, with the aim of giving the team more play.

The coach, however, continues with an extensive list of absences. Goalkeeper Anderson, absent in the last round because of an injury, is expected to remain out. Midfielder Max Alves, a reinforcement announced during the transfer window, is also recovering from a physical problem and is not expected to debut.

Defenders João Paulo and Victor Caetano, midfielders Rafael Carvalheira and Robert and striker Maurício Garcez complete the list of casualties.

.TECHNICAL SHEET

CHAPECOENSE

CHAPECOENSE - Matheus Aurélio; Everton, Rafael Thyere, Eduardo Doma and Bruno Pacheco; Camilo, Bruno Matias and Giovanni Augusto; Ênio, Italo and Bolasie. Coach: Rafael Lacerda

FLAMENGO - Rossi; Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho and Lorran; Gonzalo Plata, Pedro and Samuel Lino. Coach: Leonardo Jardim.

REFEREE - Rafael Rodrigo Klein (RS)

TIME - 9:30 pm

LOCATION - Arena Condá, in Chapecó (SC).

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