Pedro defies odds, admits nerves, sends message to Filipe Luís

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Coluna do Fla

·14 dicembre 2025

Pedro defies odds, admits nerves, sends message to Filipe Luís

Pedro returned to play after 52 days

Flamengo's forward, Pedro, suffered a thigh injury and was expected to return in 2026. However, the number 9 defied the odds and came back much earlier than anticipated. The striker played in the final minutes of the victory over Pyramids (EGI) in the World Cup semifinal on Saturday (13).

In one play of the match, Pedro finished with a slide tackle using the 'wrong leg'. In a move where a left-footed finish was expected, the number 9 extended his right leg: cautious not to strain the recently recovered muscle. Ready for the final, the Flamengo idol made himself available to Filipe Luís to face PSG (FRA).

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WHAT DID PEDRO SAY?

— I am well. Of course, I had little training time. With the group, it was only two (sessions). I am fit, available for the final. Regaining confidence. In one play where I could have used the left, I didn't to avoid anything. Because Wednesday is already the final, and it was already 2-0. I am well, feeling confident to help in the final — said Pedro.

— It's not easy being out. We want to play, be on the field, where we feel good. Unfortunately, injuries came. Thank God I was able to recover in time to play this very important competition. Being out is bad, but I was confident knowing my teammates would handle it. We won two very important titles. It was a six-week injury, and I recovered in three and a half. Much earlier than expected. Grateful to participate in the World Cup, to the medical department and physiotherapists who worked with me daily to be at my best — added the number 9.

PEDRO IN THE FINAL?

In summary, Pedro hadn't played since the end of October, when he took the field in the Libertadores semifinal against Racing (ARG) at Maracanã. In that match, the number 9 left with a broken arm. When he was in the final stages of recovery, the striker suffered a severe thigh injury.

Now recovered, Pedro wants to crown the recovery process by having minutes in the final against PSG. The match kicks off at 2 PM (Brasília time) on Wednesday (17), competing for the world title. Thus, Coluna do Fla is in Doha, Qatar, and will bring all the information.

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