The Emperor is firing on all cylinders. Sweating and demonstrating the physical vigor that has become characteristic of the center forward, Adriano is leaving Flamengo's coaching staff very optimistic about the upcoming season. Despite the burn on his left heel, which has prevented him from performing the same technical activities as some of his teammates, the player may still be fit for Flamengo's debut in the Campeonato Carioca on Sunday against Caxias.

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This is what fitness coach Alexandre Sanz says. According to him, Adriano is an above-average player, and therefore, if his heel is already in good enough condition to not bother him as much in Sunday's match, the number 10 could make his debut as normal. After all, the Emperor is in top physical shape.

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"He hasn't been able to train technically with the group, but he's a player above the medical, and we on the coaching staff are counting on that. Even so, he's been working on short passes, heading, and ball control. Adriano is following the same schedule as the squad and is training very hard. We're waiting for the 'okay' from the medical department to see if he'll be able to play in the State Championship opener," Sanz explained.

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The coach also explained that, despite not performing the same technical activities as the rest of the squad, Adriano is on par with his teammates physically. For Sanz, this shouldn't be an obstacle to whether or not he'll be selected for the match against Caxias.

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"Adriano has been doing the same physical training as the rest of the group. He's in great physical shape, but he can't work on ball possession and movement because of the burn on his heel. He's doing muscle strengthening work, treadmill work, and some specific exercises," he concluded.