Ayrton Lucas eyes first start under Jardim to move on from Recopa error | OneFootball

With Alex Sandro injured, Ayrton Lucas will be handed his first start under Leonardo Jardim when Flamengo face Bragantino in the Brasileirão on Thursday.

According to Globo.com, his last start was the Recopa Sudamericana second leg against Lanús, a 3-2 loss at the Maracanã, when a weak back-pass to Rossi drew boos as the title slipped away.

Afterwards he said life at Flamengo had never been easy, called it an unfortunate moment with the goalkeeper, accepted his misjudgement and vowed to work to improve.

He was then unused before featuring from the bench against Botafogo, Remo and Corinthians.

Jardim had been managing Alex Sandro’s workload, resting him with big leads against Botafogo and Remo. He then picked up an injury against Corinthians and went off at half-time.

Flamengo hope to have him back for their away Libertadores opener on 8, with the problem assessed as grade one.

Ayrton Lucas finding form could be important later in the year. Alex Sandro is seen as a World Cup candidate and is nearing the end of his contract.

Flamengo await his decision on the future, with friends told he is considering a move to a less intense, less physically demanding league than Brazil’s. That would leave Ayrton Lucas as the only option, while Viña remains on loan at River Plate with his future unresolved.

Source: Globo.com