According to fitness coach Alexandre Sanz, coach Andrade should soon have reinforcements in his squad for the upcoming matches. Newcomers Rodrigo Alvim and Ramón are training with the rest of the squad and are progressing well physically, as is midfielder Maldonado, who is recovering from an injury and hopes to be ready to play in the first stage of the Copa Libertadores, which begins on the 24th.

Alvim's case is the simplest. The 26-year-old left-back completed preseason training with his former club, Wolfsburg, in Germany, so he arrived at Gávea at a level roughly similar to his teammates in terms of physical fitness.

"Rodrigo arrived in great shape. He had already been doing pre-season training in Europe and was at a very good level physically. Now it's just a matter of technical and tactical training to see how he will be when he will be available to Andrade," Sanz explained in a telephone interview with the club's official website.

Ramón, signed from CSKA, still needs to complete some physical training before being available to coach Andrade. He was signed to fill a role similar to that of Petkovic and Vinícius Pacheco, as a playmaker in midfield.

"Ramón thought it would take a little longer because he was out of action and didn't do preseason training. The work has to be done slowly to avoid any potential injuries. Everything has to be done step by step. But he's progressing well," said Alexandre.

Chilean Maldonado is another player under observation by Flamengo's fitness coaches. The midfielder has been recovering well from an injury sustained last year and hopes to be fit for the start of the Copa Libertadores.

"Maldonado is doing great. He's responding very well to the work and has even surprised us in a positive way. I prefer not to make any predictions, but I believe he'll be available soon. It's also worth noting that he's fully dedicated to his treatment, and that helps a lot," he concluded.

It's worth noting that on Monday morning, Maldonado did physical training on Barra da Tijuca beach to continue his recovery schedule. Álvaro, who was sent off in the Fla-Flu match, and Petkovic, who was suspended by the vice-president of football, also participated in the training session, which was led by coach Daniel Jouvin.