Plata returns for Flamengo after Dinamo Moscow move collapses, denies injury concerns | OneFootball

Flamengo took a significant first-leg lead in the Libertadores quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Independiente Del Valle in Quito, where Gonzalo Plata made his return to action. The Ecuadorian dismissed any injury concerns after the collapsed move to Dinamo Moscow.

Under head coach Leonardo Jardim, Plata started on the bench and came on in the second half for Carrascal. According to Globo.com, he was reintegrated into the squad after the Russian club withdrew when he did not pass their medical.

Post-match, Plata said recent days were complicated as he waited for a resolution, but he was happy to be back. He insisted he felt no pain and questioned rumours about his condition, adding the group had embraced him and his return felt very good.

At Flamengo’s first training session in Ecuador, the former Independiente Del Valle winger went through the traditional initiation tunnel usually reserved for new arrivals. Following the failed transfer, Jardim has joked he is almost like a new signing.

Plata now has a compatriot in the squad and said having another Ecuadorian around is very positive. He believes the 23-year-old could help the team with confidence, and he enjoys sharing more, laughing and speaking Spanish with one more team-mate.

Flamengo host Corinthians in the Brasileirão at 17:30 Brasília time on Sunday at the Maracanã. The second leg against Independiente Del Valle is on Thursday at 21:30, also at the Maracanã.

Source: Globo.com

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