Estudiantes lose three players before Flamengo Libertadores clash | OneFootball

Estudiantes will have problems facing Flamengo in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores de América. In addition to two suspended players, the team lost three players to injury in the defeat to Rosario Central in the Supercopa Internacional.

Rosario Central won 3-1, but the result took a back seat because of the injuries. Now, coach Alexander Medina is working to assess the players’ recovery ahead of the meeting with the Rubro-Negro.

Gabriel Neves suffered a fracture in his left wrist and left the stadium with his arm immobilized. The injury is similar to that of Flamengo’s Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who also recently fractured his wrist.

Guido Carrillo and Jalil Elías also raise concerns

In addition to Gabriel Neves, Estudiantes lost two other players during the match. Guido Carrillo and Syrian player Jalil Elías suffered muscle problems and will be evaluated by the club’s medical department.

The situation increases Cacique Medina’s concern on the eve of the clash with Flamengo. The coach will have little room for improvisation, especially because the tight schedule reduces the time available for the players to recover.

Estudiantes will also have to deal with two already known absences. Tomás Palacios and Leandro González are suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards and will not be able to take part in the first leg of the semifinals against the Brazilian team.

Board could make changes to the Libertadores squad list

Given the situation, Cacique Medina hopes president Juan Sebastián Verón can strengthen the squad for the remainder of the competition. The Argentine club is considering the possibility of changing up to three names on the tournament roster.

Any squad movement could become even more important precisely because of the string of absences. Estudiantes will need to find alternatives to remain competitive in the first match against Flamengo, especially in midfield.

On the Brazilian side, Flamengo is also dealing with fitness problems. Ayrton Lucas, Gonzalo Plata, and Evertton Araújo remain in the medical department and are being monitored by coach Leonardo Jardim.

Arrascaeta becomes a doubt for the semifinal

The most delicate situation involves Giorgian De Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan suffered a wrist fracture during the friendly between Uruguay and South Korea in Seoul during this international break and will undergo surgery in Rio de Janeiro.

The attacking midfielder’s presence in the semifinals is still uncertain. The club is expected to monitor the player’s progress after the procedure before deciding whether he will be fit to play in the tie.

Thus, Estudiantes and Flamengo head into the decisive stage of the Libertadores under pressure not only because of the result, but also because of the physical condition of their key players. The situation could force both coaching staffs to alter their plans for the semifinal.

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