Flamengo coach Andrade confirmed on Monday what Petkovic had already announced this Sunday in Porto Feliz. The foreigner will miss Flamengo's first games in the Campeonato Carioca and will have more time to recover physically. The midfielder returned from Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Serbia and did not participate in the first part of the club's preseason in Porto Feliz. He is only expected to debut in the third or fourth round.

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In an interview with Arena SporTV this Monday, Andrade also said that it is necessary to find a replacement for Pet, as it is unlikely that the Serbian will be able to play in all of the team's matches this season.

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"It was already agreed that he would arrive after the 10th. He's a player who requires more time to recover physically. I think he could be on the field by the third or fourth round. He's out for these first two games and will be training more physically," Andrade said.

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Andrade also said it's time to give opportunities to players already on the roster. He mentioned midfielder Kleberson (watch the video), who was injured for much of the Brasileirão, and forward Gil, a late signing.

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"With Aírton (traded to Benfica) and Maldonado (injured) leaving, it's up to Kleberson to fill that role. He's a great player, as we know, and he'll certainly be able to fill that role. We have some variations to test and will try to get them right at the beginning of the year. We have Gil, who is experienced, Vinicius Pacheco, who came through the youth academy, and Obina, who has returned and could even form an attack with Adriano. In theory, they occupy the same part of the field. But in practice, it could be different," he said.