Worrying: Filipe Luís explains last-minute Pedro change for Flamengo | OneFootball

Pedro was set to come on in the second half against Botafogo, but Filipe Luís changed his mind

In the second half of the Flamengo 2×1 Botafogo match, Filipe Luís called Pedro to come onto the field. Shortly after, the number 9 whispered something in the ear of assistant Rodrigo Caio, took some medicine, and the substitution was canceled. When asked about the situation, coach Filipe Luís explained what happened during the press conference.

“Pedro reported that he was feeling pain in his adductor and felt he could tear it if he came on. He left the decision up to us. And I didn’t want to take the risk,” said Filipe Luís after the match. Thus, the coach opted for Arrascaeta in place of Bruno Henrique, and Gonzalo Plata took over the number 9 role.

Filipe Luís started the match without a traditional center forward. Bruno Henrique began in the role, but in the second half, Plata and Lucas Paquetá also occupied the position. This is a weak spot in the rubro-negro squad, and the board has made it clear that they intend to sign a competitor for Pedro in the middle of the year.

WILL PEDRO RETURN IN THE NEXT MATCH?

Now, Pedro will have to race against time to recover from his pain and return for the next Flamengo match. After all, the Most Beloved will face Lanús (ARG) on Thursday (19th) in Argentina. The clash is the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana.

AND THE CAMPEONATO CARIOCA?

Flamengo will return to the field next weekend to face Madureira in the semifinal of the Campeonato Carioca. The Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (FERJ) has not yet set the dates for the match, but it is likely to take place on Sunday (22nd).

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