Flamengo’s defence faces fresh doubts ahead of Libertadores opener | OneFootball

Flamengo enter the Libertadores with renewed questions hanging over their defensive setup as uncertainty and niggling injuries cloud preparation for their group stage opener. The back line remains unsettled just days before the start of the campaign, reviving a familiar headache for the coaching staff.

Coach Rogério Ceni faces a difficult selection for the heart of his defence, with Rodrigo Caio’s fitness the biggest concern. The centre-back, typically a linchpin for Flamengo when available, is dealing with discomfort and his availability for the first Libertadores match is not guaranteed. Ceni himself acknowledged the issue after the club’s most recent outing, stopping short of confirming Caio’s participation but stating, “We will play a great game,” aiming to project confidence despite the uncertainty.

Beyond the question of personnel, Flamengo’s defensive performances in recent matches have highlighted structural vulnerabilities. The back line has not found a settled rhythm, with rotating combinations and intermittent absences affecting solidity. For a side expected to challenge deep into the tournament, these defensive lapses have become a point of worry, especially given the high stakes of continental competition where mistakes are often punished swiftly.

The defensive debate comes at a time when Flamengo’s attacking players have delivered steady returns. It is at the other end, though, that the team’s prospects could hinge. An undefined partnership in central defence—and the possibility that first-choice options may not be fully fit—force Ceni to weigh between experience and the risk of fielding those short on rhythm or recovery. As kickoff approaches, the hope will be that the defensive unit can pull together, regardless of the final lineup.

Flamengo’s supporters—increasingly vocal about the need for a stronger back line—will keep a close eye on the manager’s choices. The pressure is acute; group stages tend to show little mercy for early slip-ups. While Flamengo’s coaching staff offer optimism, the defensive question looms larger than ever with the Libertadores challenge set to begin.

Source: Lance