Injuries and suspension hit rivals ahead of Vasco clash | OneFootball

Coach Leonardo Jardim has a serious problem in the playmaking department ahead of the next round of the Brazilian Championship. The rival will be without three crucial players for Sunday’s derby against Vasco at the Maracanã.

The main absence is midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta. The player suffered a fractured collarbone during the draw with Estudiantes in Argentina. The injury will keep the Uruguayan out for twelve weeks.

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Flamengo look for tactical options to face Vasco

Without their starting creator, the direct option would be Jorge Carrascal. However, the Colombian is suspended due to red cards and will not play in the Brasileirão, ruling out the main alternative for the position.

The third confirmed medical absence is Lucas Paquetá. The No. 20 is still injured and will not return in time for the match against Vasco, leaving the opposing coaching staff without natural attacking midfielders.

Lucas Paquetá will miss the Clássico dos Milhões – Photo: Gilvan de Souza/ Flamengo

Coach considers fielding four forwards on Sunday

With the area depleted, the coach may set up the team with four men up front. The formation featuring Luiz Araújo, Cebolinha, Bruno Henrique, and Pedro was tested in the win over Vitória in the Copa do Brasil and has emerged as a strong option against Vasco.

Another tactical solution to try to break through Vasco’s defensive block is to move Nicolás De la Cruz deeper. The player has operated as a holding midfielder in recent matches and could be deployed as a playmaker to cover for the opponent’s three absences.

Vasco’s strategy and preparation for the derby

Vasco’s football department focused the week of training at CT Moacyr Barbosa on the squad’s full physical recovery. The coaching staff’s main strategy is to fully rest the starters in this Thursday’s (30) international match in the Copa Sudamericana so they arrive in peak condition for the showdown on the Maracanã pitch.

Taking advantage of the opponent’s completely depleted and makeshift midfield, the coach is studying intense ways to press the rival build-up play. Vasco’s goal is to overwhelm the opponent’s creative sector from the opening whistle and secure three vital points in the Brazilian Championship table.

The rival has absences, and Andrés Gómez could make the difference in attack – Photo: Adriano Lopes / Flamengo

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