Leonardo Jardim uses international break to ready Flamengo for Estudiantes semi-final and packed run | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim is using the international break to prime Flamengo for five matches in 15 days, including a Copa Libertadores semi-final against Estudiantes. He has until six October to have his side ready.

According to Coluna Do Fla, training has continued with a reduced group, five are on international duty and three are in the medical department.

Ayrton Lucas has a right hamstring injury confirmed by scans and no return date after 12 successive starts. Alex Sandro, recently back from right calf tendinitis, is the main left-back option.

Gonzalo Plata felt thigh pain against Red Bull Bragantino and was withdrawn from Ecuador’s friendlies with South Korea on 24 September and Japan on one October after a club report of a functional muscle injury. Midfielder Evertton Araújo has a grade three left adductor issue and is due back only in November.

Carlo Ancelotti has called Pedro and Samuel Lino for Brazil, with Arrascaeta and Varela on Uruguay duty and Anthony Valencia with Ecuador. The Brazilian pair face long-haul trips to Australia and India, so Jardim must manage their load on return.

Rossi, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz and Jorginho are being given extra recovery, while Jardim assesses Vitão, De La Cruz, Saúl, Luiz Araújo and Joaquín Freitas. Youth players Johnny, Joshua and Josmar are involved, and a training match is under consideration.

Flamengo lead the Brasileirão and are seven unbeaten. They visit Santos on eight October at 19:30, then host Fluminense three days later at 17:30. The semi-final first leg is on 15 October at 21:30 in Argentina, with Estudiantes seeking Estadio UNO approval, Bahia away between legs, and the second leg on 22 October at 21:30 at the Maracanã, both on ESPN. The sides drew 1-1 in Argentina on 29 April, and Jardim has stressed Estudiantes’ quality and the need to impose Flamengo’s ideas with respect.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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