Who can replace Arrascaeta at Flamengo? Find out | OneFootball

The confirmation of surgery on Giorgian De Arrascaeta’s left wrist has opened up competition for a spot in Flamengo’s midfield. The Uruguayan will be unavailable when play resumes after the FIFA international break, and his recovery period will be determined after the procedure.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that Lucas Paquetá is one of the main options to fill the role, but Leonardo Jardim is also considering other possibilities within the squad.

Saúl Ñíguez and Jorge Carrascal are among the players who could gain more space with the absence of the No. 10. The situation requires special attention because Flamengo have important commitments in October.

In addition to their Brazilian Championship schedule, the team will face Argentina’s Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores semifinals. Jorginho will also be unavailable for the first leg due to suspension.

Lucas Paquetá is one of the options

Lucas Paquetá appears to be one of the most natural alternatives to replace Giorgian De Arrascaeta. The No. 11 has the qualities to play closer to the forwards and can also contribute to building attacking moves.

The choice, however, does not necessarily have to be a like-for-like replacement. Without holding midfielder Jorginho in the first match against Estudiantes, Leonardo Jardim will also need to reorganize how roles are distributed in the midfield.

Saúl Ñíguez emerges in this scenario as another possibility. The Spanish midfielder has already been given opportunities in midfield and could offer greater balance, allowing Lucas Paquetá to stay further forward.

Jorge Carrascal is also competing for a spot

Jorge Carrascal is another name who could be considered by the Flamengo coach. The Colombian attacking midfielder was signed as an option for creativity and is also capable of playing centrally.

The issue is that Jorge Carrascal has also been used in wider positions, especially on the right flank. A move into the center could trigger another change in the attacking structure.

The coaching staff will use the training sessions after the FIFA international break to test the alternatives. The final decision will also depend on the players’ physical condition and the model Leonardo Jardim chooses for each opponent.

Flamengo face a decisive stretch

The first match after the break will be against Santos at Vila Belmito on October 8 in the Brazilian Série A. The game will serve as the first test for the team without Giorgian De Arrascaeta.

In the Copa Libertadores, the challenge will be even greater. Flamengo will face Estudiantes in the semifinals, with the first leg scheduled for October 15 in Argentina and the return leg on October 22 in Rio de Janeiro.

Jorginho will not be available for the first leg because of his red card against Independiente del Valle. Giorgian De Arrascaeta, meanwhile, will depend on his progress after surgery to determine when he can return.

The absence of both starters forces Leonardo Jardim to find a new midfield setup. Between Lucas Paquetá, Saúl Ñíguez, and Jorge Carrascal, the coach will have to decide who will take on the main creative role left vacant by the No. 10.

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