Plata return fixes Jardim imbalance but creates foreign-player squeeze at Flamengo | OneFootball

Plata will return to Flamengo after failing a Dynamo Moscow medical, easing a right-flank imbalance cited by Leonardo Jardim but creating a squeeze on foreign-player selection.

According to Globo.com, the Russians pulled out on Tuesday after citing right knee tendinitis in tests, and turned to Maxi Gutiérrez. Flamengo dispute that diagnosis and are assessing whether to take action against Dynamo.

The issue first flared after the 4-0 win over Chapecoense, post-Copa, when pain led to an MRI. He sat out July draws with São Paulo at the Maracanã and Internacional at the Beira-Rio, then was listed against Vitória on 9 August, started both Libertadores last-16 ties with Cruzeiro and came on in the 2-1 defeat at the Mineirão.

Plata’s return lifts Flamengo to 10 foreign players, while CBF rules permit only nine to be named for domestic fixtures.

Even so, the arrivals of Anthony Valencia and Joaquín Freitas stand, both already signed and training. Valencia was recruited to cover Plata’s planned exit. Jardim now has further right-side options, including Carrascal and Luiz Araújo, with Lucas Paquetá also able to operate there.

He will be reintegrated into the squad. A fresh move is unlikely now, with major European windows shut, and only the Netherlands open until Wednesday, Türkiye until Friday, Russia until 10, and Portugal and Greece until 15. Flamengo also believe the public fallout has depressed his value.

Source: Globo.com

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