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Striker Gonzalo Plata and left-back Ayrton Lucas raised concerns after reporting pain during Flamengo’s victory over Grêmio in the Brasileirão last Sunday. However, the good news is that both players were assessed by the club’s medical staff before returning to Rio de Janeiro early Monday morning, and they are not considered a worry for the upcoming matches.
“Ayrton Lucas has been playing less, so it was normal for him to feel added strain after the 30-minute mark. He also took a knock to his foot and wasn’t 100%. Both he and Plata had minor trauma from the fouls they suffered. I refreshed both full-back positions. Varela already knew he could play on the outside because we had prepared for Ayrton not being able to last 90 minutes,” said head coach Leonardo Jardim after the game against Grêmio.
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At the end of the first half, Ayrton Lucas suffered a heavy foul that led to a yellow card for Pavón, and he fell in significant pain. He returned after halftime but only lasted until the 18th minute of the second half. Royal came on in his place, taking over the right-back position, while Varela had to be shifted to the left. On Monday, Ayrton reported no further pain and should be available for the match against Vitória in the Copa do Brasil this Thursday.
The pain Plata experienced is not serious, but his condition is being handled with a bit more caution. The forward had previously complained of discomfort against Vasco. During the Grêmio match, he felt discomfort behind his left knee from the first half onward. In the second half, before being substituted, he was seen on the ground holding the area. He is expected to be ready to face Vitória, but his availability will depend on how he progresses throughout the week.
**Paquetá and Pulgar Making Progress**
Paquetá and Pulgar returned to field training last week and could be available soon. The midfielder is expected to be fit for the weekend match against Athletico-PR in the Brasileirão, while Paquetá may only return the following week for the Libertadores clash against Estudiantes.
Paquetá posts treatment of his thigh injury at Flamengo — Photo: Reproduction / Instagram
Arrascaeta, who recently underwent surgery for a fractured collarbone, is following the medical plan and has been doing physiotherapy at Ninho do Urubu. The midfielder is racing to recover in time to represent Uruguay in the World Cup. However, even if he is not called up, he will only be able to play for Flamengo in the second half of the season, as national football will pause during the World Cup.
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