Nilo Junior

Rio - A challenge on the Cabo Frio defender in a match valid for the first round of the Rio de Janeiro Futsal Championship has kept Flamengo center Gabriel out of action since the 22nd. Suffering a sunken cheekbone and more than 20 facial fractures, the 2007 Carioca Championship's best player - according to the Rio de Janeiro State Futsal Federation - had to undergo surgery similar to that of Renato Augusto, a former Flamengo player. Since August 28, the number 10 has been recovering from the operation in which he had 55 pins, six plates, and one mesh inserted into his face.

Next Wednesday, the player, who transferred to Flamengo last year—and previously played for archrival Vasco—will return to the doctor to have his stitches removed and find out when he'll be able to play again. After being upset by what happened, Gabriel says he's already overcome the trauma and only wants to return as soon as possible.

"I no longer think about what happened, but rather about recovering from the accident and getting back to playing as quickly as possible. To do this, I'm counting on the 24-hour support of my fiancée and my parents, as well as the concern of my coworkers," said the center, who, because of the injury, only played one game and scored one goal.

Flamengo currently occupies second place in the State Championship, which is led by Vasco.