Flamengo furious as star's injury sparks international standoff | OneFootball

After Flamengo’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Fortaleza at the Maracanã, manager Filipe Luís took the opportunity in his post-match press conference to address a mounting concern: the fitness of winger Gonzalo Plata. The situation surrounding Plata, recently called up by Ecuador’s national team despite a current knee injury, has sparked tension between Flamengo and the Ecuadorian federation.

Though Luís steered clear of specifics due to medical confidentiality, he was direct about Plata’s lack of readiness. “Plata has a knee injury. Even today, he was still on the treatment table. There’s a match in four or five days, and there’s simply no possibility he can play,” said the Flamengo coach, voicing clear apprehension at the idea of Plata featuring for Ecuador during the upcoming FIFA fixture window.

The club’s frustration deepened after learning that a doctor and physiotherapist from the Ecuadorian federation visited Plata at his residence in Rio de Janeiro without Flamengo’s prior knowledge or approval. According to an official Flamengo statement, the medical team performed procedures “contrary to Flamengo’s recovery plan,” which the club described as jeopardizing Plata’s rehabilitation and potentially putting at risk not only the club’s season but the player’s long-term career.

Despite these concerns, the Ecuadorian side exercised its right to call up the attacker—a move allowed under FIFA rules, though one that Flamengo believes to be irresponsible under the circumstances. Once summoned, Plata is required by FIFA regulations to report for international duty, unless formally excused.

Plata has not played for Flamengo for over a month—specifically, he has missed the last 31 days since featuring in the Copa do Brasil match against Botafogo-PB, and has already skipped nine fixtures in all competitions as he recovers from a bone bruise to his right knee. The club’s hope is to have him fully fit for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a target underlined by the high stakes of the coming season.

Luís also commented on the broader challenge of international absences, noting that Flamengo’s heavy representation in national teams, while a marker of squad quality, disrupts training rhythm and planning ahead of important matches. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the immense pride players take in national call-ups, reflecting the delicate balance managers face in navigating club and international priorities.

While Flamengo enjoys a strong run domestically—currently leading the league and progressing in cup competitions—the management of player fitness, particularly in contentious situations such as Plata’s, remains a critical task for Filipe Luís and his staff as they look ahead to major international challenges.

Source: Globo, UOL, Lance