Paquetá returns for Flamengo, Pulgar, Plata and Luiz Araújo out at Athletico-PR | OneFootball

Flamengo have named Paquetá in their squad to face Athletico-PR after he recovered from a left thigh injury. The match is on Sunday at 19:30 Brasília time at Arena da Baixada, in matchday 16 of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Globo.com, Pulgar, Plata and Luiz Araújo will not travel to Curitiba. Pulgar had returned to field work after a shoulder injury but was not cleared by the medical staff. Plata still has pain in his left knee, and Luiz Araújo was granted leave for personal reasons after a family bereavement.

De la Cruz is also out, as he does not play on synthetic pitches. Samuel Lino was allowed to attend the birth of his first child and will rejoin the squad in Curitiba on Sunday.

With so many absences, only 20 players are selected, the club usually travel with 23. Jorginho and Evertton Araújo are suspended, leaving coach Leonardo Jardim with midfield problems to solve.

Paquetá is expected to take one of the holding roles, although his partner is uncertain. Saúl has issues on harder surfaces due to an ankle tendon problem. Youth player Luiz Felipe is an option, and Léo Ortiz could be used in midfield, having covered there under Tite.

The probable XI is Rossi, Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Léo Ortiz, Paquetá, Carrascal, Cebolinha or Bruno Henrique, Samuel Lino, Pedro.

Flamengo are second on 30 points, four behind Palmeiras, with one game in hand.

Source: Globo.com