Why Pulgar is missing from Chile’s squad: Flamengo star absent

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Coluna do Fla

·18 marzo 2026

Why Pulgar is missing from Chile’s squad: Flamengo star absent

Erick Pulgar was not on the list for Chile's friendlies

A key player in Flamengo's tactical scheme, Erick Pulgar was not called up by the Chilean National Team for the friendlies during the FIFA break. The absence of the red-and-black number 5 was due to the player's own decision, as he informed that he was not interested in leaving the Most Beloved at this moment.

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by ESPN Chile (@espnchile)

OneFootball Video

— We received information from the national team that the player asked not to be called up. He said he was not available for this pair of FIFA friendly dates. It was the player's decision, which ended up being accepted by the Chilean Football Federation and the National Team — said reporter Christopher Brandt, on Monday (16), during the ‘ESPN Chile’ broadcast.

WHAT WAS THE REASON FOR PULGAR'S ABSENCE?

Erick Pulgar and the Flamengo squad have been on a strong pace since last year. During the end-of-year holidays, the group couldn't even take the full 30 days off, due to the early start of the Carioca, in the first half of January. So, the number 5 wants to take advantage of the FIFA break to rest.

Chile will face Cape Verde and New Zealand on the 27th and 30th of this month. The second match will be in New Zealand itself, that is, on the other side of the world. If he accepted the call-up, Pulgar would hardly be available for Flamengo's next match, against Bragantino, on April 1 or 2.

It is also worth noting that Chile will not compete in the 2026 World Cup. The team disappointed in the Conmebol Qualifiers and finished outside the top seven. So, the number 5 preferred to stay in Rio de Janeiro, preparing for the continuation of the Brasileirão and also the start of the Copa Libertadores.

WILL PULGAR PLAY FLAMENGO'S NEXT MATCH?

Completely focused on Flamengo, Erick Pulgar will have the chance to show his love for the Most Beloved once again this Thursday (19), against Remo, in the seventh round of the Brasileirão. If Mengão is on the field, there is full coverage from Coluna do Fla, live from Maracanã, with the ball rolling from 8pm (Brasília time).

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