Champion of the Copinha (São Paulo Junior Cup) and scorer of Flamengo's first goal of the season, in the 2-0 victory against Volta Redonda in the first round of the Taça Guanabara (Guanabara Cup), Lucas Silva's career was beginning to take off until his ankle injury in April. A hard tackle suffered in the first leg against Corinthians, in the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 (Brazilian Under-20 Cup), cast a shadow over the young striker's brief career.

After four months recovering from surgery, the promising Flamengo youth player returned to the pitch against Vasco in October, coming off the bench in a 3-2 victory in the Brazilian U-20 Championship. For the first time since returning to the field, the Flamengo youth academy product will be a starter this Wednesday in the match against Madureira for the OPG Tournament. Looking forward to being among the starting eleven, Lucas recalls the difficult moments of his recovery from a ligament injury in his right ankle.

“I had a serious injury, and at first I was very sad, and I doubted whether I would be able to play at 100% again. But my strength came from God, from my family, and I knew my potential. That's what gave me the strength to overcome it and get through that very difficult moment in my career.”

Deeply religious, Lucas Silva clung to his faith, in addition to relying on the help of family members and club professionals during his injury period. At just 20 years old, the promising young player from Flamengo's youth academy is the father of a three-year-old girl. eHe emphasizes that his little girl was crucial in turning things around. 

“God first and foremost, my family, some friends from the club, club professionals, and my childhood friends gave me a lot of confidence. Every time I looked at my daughter, I told myself: I can't give up. It gave me a lot of strength when she prayed over my ankle.”

Having recovered physically and integrated into the Under-20 team, Lucas Silva will have the opportunity to start Wednesday's match at a crucial moment for the team's aspirations. Currently second in Group E with 7 points, one point behind leaders Olaria, Flamengo needs to win its next two matches and hope for a slip-up from the group leader to reach the OPG final. 

"The game is crucial, that says it all. It's decided by the details, we'll go in focused, knowing our strengths, and do our part. This group deserves this qualification and the title."

Flamengo and Madureira face each other this Wednesday (07), at 16 pm, at Estádio Conselheiro Galvão, for the 5th round of the OPG Tournament.