After a convincing victory (90 x 70) over Vila Velha, in their debut in the NBB (Novo Basquete Brasil), on the night of last Wednesday (17.11), in Vila Velha, Flamengo returns to training this Friday (19.11), at 17 pm, at the HSBC Arena. The second challenge in the competition will be Sunday (21.11), against Vitória, at 11 am, also at the Arena. Afterwards, the red-black team turns its attention to the final phase of the South American League, from November 24 to 28, at the same venue.

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Host Flamengo will only debut in the second round, on November 25.11, against Boca Juniors (ARG). Flamengo is in Group A, which also includes Franca. The other group includes Brasília, Quimsa (ARG) and Espartanos (VEN). The top two teams from each group will face each other in the semifinals on Saturday (November 27.11). The final will be on Sunday (November 28.11).

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"At a time when we're competing in several tournaments at the same time, the most important thing is to work on the psychological side. But the team is growing every day and we're strong," said coach Paulo Chupeta.

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For Sunday's game against Vitória, Flamengo will have the return of point guard Hélio and power forward Wagner, who served suspensions due to the altercation in the third leg of last season's NBB final against Brasília, at their opponent's home ground. Power forward Jefferson, who was also suspended, is recovering from a thigh injury suffered in the qualifying round of the South American League and is not yet confirmed for the match. Power forward Duda, also suspended, is still undergoing treatment for an ankle injury also suffered in the South American League and will not play.

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Duda, incidentally, is racing against time to compete in the final stage of the South American League. He sprained his right ankle in the first match of the tournament's qualifying phase, against Malvin (URU), on October 29.10th in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. According to the team's physiotherapist, Ricardo Machado, Duda's recovery has already entered the third and final stage (strengthening and gradual increase in load).

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"I'm feeling good. I don't have any more pain and I'm very confident about my recovery," said Duda, who is undergoing treatment in the club's pool and cycling and, this Friday (19.11), will start running.