Filipe Luís on Flamengo striker’s absence: "For me, right now..." | OneFootball

Juninho hasn't played for Flamengo in two months

Flamengo ended in a 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro this Thursday (02), in the 26th round of the Brasileirão. After the match, Filipe Luís was questioned about the absence of Juninho among the selected players. The coach explained that the competition within the squad is tough and the choice was a technical decision.

— Juninho is a technical option, I now have Plata who played as a forward, Bruno who plays as a forward, Pedro who plays as a forward, Wallace also plays as a forward. And at this moment, for me, when I set up the bench, I set up the type of team that will play, I have to set up the options -, he said, before concluding:

— For me, at this moment, I opted for these options. Juninho was not my choice, but he is training well, working hard, and is part of the squad, and from the moment he is needed, he is available to play -, concluded Filipe Luís.

How is Juninho's journey at Flamengo?

The first signing of Flamengo in the 2025 season, Juninho was acquired for 5 million euros (R$ 31 million at the time's exchange rate). However, the forward has not received many opportunities from Filipe Luís.

It's worth noting that Juninho last played in the 1-1 draw between Flamengo and Ceará, on August 3rd. On that occasion, the forward started the match on the bench, but Filipe Luís brought him on at the 31st minute of the second half.

What is Flamengo's next match?

With Juninho available, Flamengo begins preparations to face Bahia this Sunday (05). The match will take place at 6:30 PM (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, in a game valid for the 27th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will provide the best internet coverage through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, SporTV (cable channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the Flamengo vs. Bahia game.

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