Álvaro is doubtful and Michael may return
The defender injured his calf and is unlikely to face Botafogo in the Rio Cup final.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Coach Andrade still doesn't know who he'll count on for Sunday's (April 18.04) derby against Botafogo, a Rio Cup final. Among the doubts are Álvaro, Willians, and Michael. The defender is unlikely to see action, but Michael is recovering well and has a chance to play. Willians is the least likely to play, as he sprained his ankle, but it's not a major concern.
Michael, like Ramón, who was also suffering from thigh pain, walked around the pitch and played a game of footvolley with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin this Thursday (15.04), who still thinks it is too early to say whether they are fit to play on Sunday.
"They both trained well, are progressing, and are doing everything they're supposed to. However, we can't say anything yet. Let's wait a bit. We have two more days to see what happens," he explained.
The midfielder, who earned a starting spot in the match against Universidad de Chile in the middle of last week, hopes to be on the field in the duel with Botafogo.
"I trained well. Today I no longer felt any pain, I did everything that was asked of me and I'm dedicating myself a lot to be on the field against Botafogo. I hope to recover to play in this final and help Flamengo win the title," said Michael.
Álvaro's situation is a bit more serious. The calf injury he sustained in last Wednesday's match could rule him out of the final.
"Álvaro is undergoing treatment and will be re-evaluated. He could be out on Sunday. Willians is less of a concern. He left at Andrade's discretion," analyzed doctor Walter Martins.
On Friday, the full squad will be presented at Ninho do Urubu at 15:30 p.m. Coach Andrade is expected to lead a training session, where he will begin to decide the team that will face Botafogo.
Michael, like Ramón, who was also suffering from thigh pain, walked around the pitch and played a game of footvolley with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin this Thursday (15.04), who still thinks it is too early to say whether they are fit to play on Sunday.
"They both trained well, are progressing, and are doing everything they're supposed to. However, we can't say anything yet. Let's wait a bit. We have two more days to see what happens," he explained.
The midfielder, who earned a starting spot in the match against Universidad de Chile in the middle of last week, hopes to be on the field in the duel with Botafogo.
"I trained well. Today I no longer felt any pain, I did everything that was asked of me and I'm dedicating myself a lot to be on the field against Botafogo. I hope to recover to play in this final and help Flamengo win the title," said Michael.
Álvaro's situation is a bit more serious. The calf injury he sustained in last Wednesday's match could rule him out of the final.
"Álvaro is undergoing treatment and will be re-evaluated. He could be out on Sunday. Willians is less of a concern. He left at Andrade's discretion," analyzed doctor Walter Martins.
On Friday, the full squad will be presented at Ninho do Urubu at 15:30 p.m. Coach Andrade is expected to lead a training session, where he will begin to decide the team that will face Botafogo.