Gonzalo Plata nears comeback and could boost Flamengo, details | OneFootball

Gonzalo Plata has made progress in recovering from discomfort in his right thigh and has increased his chances of returning to Flamengo after the FIFA international break. The Ecuadorian forward is already doing light activities under medical supervision.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that Flamengo is remaining cautious with the forward and does not intend to rush any stage of the process. The possibility of Gonzalo Plata being available against Santos on October 8 will only be determined after further assessments.

The player’s response to the gradual increase in workload will also be decisive for his return to the pitch. The progress is taking place precisely during Rubro-Negro’s period without matches.

The break in the schedule allowed Gonzalo Plata to remain in Rio de Janeiro to treat the physical issue, while the Ecuador national team chose to remove him from the squad for the friendlies in this international window.

Gonzalo Plata left the match against Bragantino with no diagnosed injury

The issue appeared after the 2-1 win over Red Bull Bragantino at the Maracanã, in the round before the FIFA break. Gonzalo Plata played the full 90 minutes, but later reported discomfort in the back of his right thigh.

The situation led Ecuador’s coaching staff to cancel the player’s call-up. The decision also allowed the forward to stay at Flamengo for treatment and use the break in the schedule to make progress in his recovery.

The fact that he is already doing light activities is considered positive, but it still does not mean Plata has been cleared to work normally with the squad. The medical department will assess his progress before authorizing a full return to training.

Ayrton Lucas is also improving, but requires more caution

While Gonzalo Plata is showing what is considered positive progress, Ayrton Lucas is going through a more delicate recovery process. The left-back suffered a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh during the match against Red Bull Bragantino.

Ayrton Lucas felt the issue just five minutes into the first half after a sprint and had to be substituted. Alex Sandro, who had recently returned from an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh, came on in his place.

The full-back also improved during the FIFA break, but remains under the supervision of Flamengo’s medical department. Unlike Gonzalo Plata, who suffered discomfort, Ayrton Lucas had a muscle injury confirmed by Flamengo.

Santos will be the first match after the break

Flamengo return to action on October 8 against Santos at Vila Belmiro, in the 29th round of the Brazilian Série A Championship. By then, head coach Leonardo Jardim will have further evaluations to determine which players will be available.

Gonzalo Plata still needs to make further progress in training activities before being cleared for a match. Therefore, his presence against the club from Vila Belmiro remains dependent on his physical progress in the final stretch of the FIFA break.

Ayrton Lucas will also be reassessed, but the club is taking a more cautious approach. The goal is to avoid any early return that could cause a new injury and compromise the rest of the season.

For Flamengo, Gonzalo Plata’s progress is positive news ahead of the resumption of the Brasileirão. However, he will still have to complete the final stages of his recovery to turn the prospect of a return into confirmed availability against Santos.

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