Flamengo target next four rounds in pursuit of Palmeiras despite injury and suspension issues | OneFootball

Flamengo have identified the next four Brasileirão matches as pivotal in trimming the seven-point deficit to leaders Palmeiras after a Maracanã defeat.

According to Globo.com, Flamengo face Chapecoense, São Paulo, Inter and Vitória, while Palmeiras play Coritiba, Atlético-MG, Vitória and Inter.

The run precedes the Libertadores last-16. Flamengo can concentrate on the league, while Palmeiras also have two Copa do Brasil ties with Fortaleza between meetings with Vitória and Inter.

Leonardo Jardim must navigate absences. Paquetá, left thigh, and Luiz Araújo, left knee, remain sidelined, Carrascal still has two matches of an STJD ban, and several others lack rhythm, with youngsters João Victor and Lorran in the frame.

Arrascaeta returned to the group on Sunday after a right calf injury, and Léo Ortiz remains in physio transition with a right thigh problem. Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro barely played for Brazil, while Danilo featured at right-back rather than his Flamengo role in central defence.

After Friday’s friendly with Olimpia of Paraguay, Jardim cautioned that players out for one to three months need preparation time and should not be rushed straight back.

Palmeiras will be without striker Flaco López for at least two of these matches, as he finishes post-World Cup leave and rebuilds fitness after limited minutes.

There are 12 points available. Flamengo’s target is to cut at least four from the seven-point gap to Palmeiras, who have 41, then draw level by winning their game in hand against Mirassol, which is yet to be scheduled.

Source: Globo.com