Filipe Luís backs Danilo for Libertadores semi-final against Racing | OneFootball

Danilo is expected to start for Flamengo amid Léo Ortiz's injury

Flamengo gained a new 'headache' in their victory over Palmeiras last Sunday (19). This is because Léo Ortiz suffered an ankle injury and is expected to miss the upcoming games for Mengão. With this in mind, coach Filipe Luís has placed confidence in Danilo's starting role.

— Well, first of all, for me as a coach, it's very difficult to make the decision to leave Danilo out of the team. He's a guy who, when he came, was the captain of the Brazilian National Team, and perhaps still is, a starter for Juventus -, began Filipe Luís.

— But the truth is that the other two Léos don't give an opportunity, they don't leave a gap, as they usually say in football. What happens is that Danilo trains a lot, demands a lot from himself, is very disciplined, likes to learn, likes to ask questions, constantly clearing doubts about what we want -, he added, before concluding:

— So when he comes into a game like this, as he did against Chelsea, we saw the best version of him. And he's out, simply not starting games, because the other two Léos are maintaining their place in the team. So, I'm confident in Danilo's participation -, concluded the Flamengo coach.

What are Danilo's numbers in 2025?

Danilo joined Flamengo in January 2025, after terminating his contract with Juventus (ITA). Since then, the defender has played 24 matches wearing the red and black jersey, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

It is worth noting, however, that Danilo has not managed to establish himself as a starter in Filipe Luís's team. This is because Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira are indisputable starters for Mengão. Now, amid the injury of the number 3, the former Juventus player is expected to receive more chances among the starting eleven.

What is Léo Ortiz's injury?

After undergoing an imaging exam, Léo Ortiz was found to have no fracture, only a sprain in the right ankle ligament. As a result, the defender is being prepared for the second match against Racing (ARG) on October 29, in Argentina.

What is Flamengo's next match?

Without Léo Ortiz, Flamengo continues their preparation to face Racing (ARG) this Wednesday (22). The match will kick off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will provide the best online coverage through YouTube, the site, and social media. However, Globo (open channel) and GE TV (YouTube) will broadcast the Flamengo vs. Racing match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.