Flamengo use FIFA break to assess academy prospects amid absences | OneFootball

Flamengo have pulled under-20 players into first-team work during the FIFA break to give the staff a closer look. With five called up and others injured, the window has opened chances for academy prospects and fringe seniors.

According to Globo.com, academy involvement in training is routine at the club, and the current absences have widened that pathway. Pedro, Samuel Lino, Varela, Arrascaeta and Valencia are on international duty, while Ayrton Lucas, Evertton Araújo and Plata are injured.

In response, the staff drafted in youngsters who also featured in the defeat to Fluminense on Saturday at Ninho do Urubu. Those involved included Johnny (centre-back or left-back), Daniel Salles (right-back), Josmar (forward), Joshua (attacking midfielder), Douglas Telles (forward), Lucas Falcone (midfielder), Gustavo Rodrigues, known as Ramires (left-back), Ítalo Pereira (left-back) and Jhefinho (midfielder).

Even with this mini pre-season, Leonardo Jardim has offered limited minutes to the youngest players. The head coach argues that a decisive stage reduces their margin for error and that using prospects in such scenarios could hinder development.

Some have still made matchday benches, Joshua did so in the final round before the FIFA dates. Others who impressed during the period in Portugal were moved on, among them Wallace Yan, Lorran, Rayan Lucas, Guilherme Gomes and Alan Santos.

Academy sessions have also aided the rehabilitation of long-term absentees, helping them build rhythm before they rejoin Jardim's group. The squad are off now, and Flamengo are due back on eight October against Santos at Vila Belmiro in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”