Leonardo Jardim could be without 12 for Flamengo clash in Brasileirão | OneFootball

FIFA rule requires early release for the World Cup and could ‘drain’ Flamengo’s squad

Head coach Leonardo Jardim faces a major problem for Flamengo’s final match before the World Cup. On May 30, the Rubro-Negro takes on Coritiba at the Maracanã, but it risks losing up to 12 players. That is because the Round 18 clash coincides with the mandatory release date for players to join their national teams.

The list of possible absences includes big names such as Danilo, Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Lucas Paquetá, Pedro and Samuel Lino. In addition to the Brazilians, Flamengo could ‘lose’ the Uruguayans Arrascaeta, De La Cruz and Varela, Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata and Colombian Jorge Carrascal. While some are certain names, others depend on the official squad list that will be released on May 18.

WHAT DOES FIFA SAY?

At present, FIFA rules require clubs to release called-up players by May 25. Although Conmebol secured an exception for Libertadores matches on May 26, the same does not apply to domestic competitions. Therefore, unless there is a last-minute change, Flamengo will be forced to release several of its top talents.

Another factor weighing against the club is the Brazil national team’s planning. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti wants the players at Granja Comary as early as May 27 to begin training. Since Brazil will play a friendly at the Maracanã just one day after Flamengo’s match, the CBF is keen to have the full squad available from the start.

In this ‘drained’ scenario, Leonardo Jardim will need to put together an alternative lineup for the 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) clash on May 30. If the 12 absences are confirmed, Flamengo should take the field with: Rossi; Emerson Royal, João Victor, Vitão and Ayrton Lucas; Evertton Araújo, Jorginho and Saúl; Cebolinha, Luiz Araújo and Bruno Henrique.

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