Plata trains and could return for Flamengo v Palmeiras | OneFootball

Flamengo have received a lift before Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash, as Plata trained with the squad and has a strong chance of returning against Palmeiras. According to Globo.com, the Ecuadorian forward worked on Thursday morning after the win over Estudiantes secured early Libertadores qualification.

He trained on the pitch at Ninho do Urubu with those who were substitutes against the Argentines. A mainstay under Leonardo Jardim, he appears to have shaken off a left knee issue and could feature at the Maracanã at 21:00 Brasília time.

Plata was injured in the win over Grêmio, where he was among the standouts. He then missed the defeat to Vitória at Barradão that brought Flamengo’s Copa do Brasil exit, the 1-1 draw at Athletico-PR’s Arena da Baixada and the 1-0 victory over Estudiantes in the Libertadores. In his absence, a 10-match unbeaten run ended.

Pulgar is also expected to be available on Saturday. The Chilean midfielder has been sidelined since early April with a right shoulder injury and has missed the last 13 matches. He will need to reclaim his place after Evertton Araújo’s good run.

Flamengo sit second in the Brasileirão on 31 points, four behind Palmeiras with a game in hand. The postponed fixture is against Mirassol at the Maracanã and will be played in the second half of the year, with the date still to be set.

Source: Globo.com