Flamengo keep under-20s for derbies as risk grows, senior return remains possible | OneFootball

Flamengo could end the weekend bottom of Group B after three winless matches, despite a game more. That run jeopardises a quarter-final berth and puts their state competition plan under scrutiny.

According to Globo.com, the intention as of Sunday was to keep Bruno Pivetti and the under-20 for the derbies with Vasco on Wednesday and Fluminense on Sunday, a stance reaffirmed in a recent meeting.

The senior squad will train fully next week, stepping up for the Campeonato Brasileiro opener on 28 against São Paulo at Morumbis. The primary focus is the Supercopa on one February against Corinthians in Brasília, so no professionals were initially earmarked to bolster the Carioca side.

The plan could still change. With only one point from three games, Flamengo risk a relegation quadrangular, a scenario considered catastrophic. Beyond the two classics they also face Sampaio Corrêa in the final round of the Taça Guanabara, with the top four advancing and the bottom two from each group battling relegation.

Before regrouping there was talk of a gradual senior return against Vasco, but that was not settled. With only three days of on-pitch work in week one, the group are not yet ready to debut. Any switch would involve the staff, director José Boto and president Bap.

Group B stands with Nova Iguaçu, Botafogo, Madureira and Boavista on three points, Flamengo on one, and Maricá on none ahead of Sunday. Competition rules say professionals must debut in round four, namely against Fluminense.

Source: Globo.com