Injury risk, World Cup plan and interest from Palmeiras and Flamengo sideline Danilo at Botafogo | OneFootball

Danilo was withdrawn from Botafogo’s game against Corinthians only hours before kick-off, with injury risk, World Cup planning and domestic transfer calculations all in play, according to Globo.com.

Two discussions preceded the call. After training on Saturday he spoke with coach Franclim, then on Sunday morning reiterated he was not in the right frame of mind to play. Franclim informed the board and cut the midfielder.

He had started four matches in 12 days and showed significant fatigue. On the eve of the squad announcement, the prospect of injury concerned him. Franclim later stressed that the collective comes before any individual.

If selected by Carlo Ancelotti, his minutes before reporting on 27 will be managed carefully due to muscle fatigue and a left ankle issue that still flares up.

Featuring against Corinthians would have ended the option of a domestic move, as it would have been his 13th Brasileirão appearance, and players can switch clubs only if they have played a maximum of 12.

He remains eligible for the Sudamericana ties with Independiente Petrolero and Caracas, yet his involvement before the World Cup is uncertain because of fitness and potential negotiations.

Palmeiras and Flamengo are monitoring the situation. Danilo favours Palmeiras in Brazil due to his roots there, while Flamengo is viewed as an alternative given he could stay in Rio and his style is seen as a fit.

Botafogo, under financial strain, see a sale as necessary and are targeting 40 million euros, though the market currently points to 25 to 30 million. The club prefer a European sale. Palmeiras president Leila Pereira has fronted recent talks, there is no agreement, and Danilo intends to decide after the World Cup, with Europe still the priority.

Source: Globo.com