Coach Andrade has already defined the outline of the team that will face Duque de Caxias, Sunday, at 17 pm, at Maracanã, in Flamengo's first official match of 2010. With many absences due to injuries, physical problems, suspensions and registrations that have not yet been made, Rubro-Negro should enter the field with a very different team from the one that won the Brazilian title in 2009.

This Wednesday, the coach will lead the first collective training sessions before the game and will give an initial idea of ​​how he intends to line up the team. Andrade could have up to eight players missing for Sunday's match. Leo Moura, who underwent nose surgery, Maldonado, who is recovering from knee surgery, and Juan, who was suspended for ten games due to the controversial argument with Maicossuel last year, are already out, as is Petkovic, who is not yet fully fit.

"We're waiting for the medical and fitness department's opinion to see which players are fit to debut. We'll have a training session on Wednesday and another on Friday. The work has been more physical and technical, and it's above our expectations. From now on, we'll need to better organize the team tactically," said the coach.

Adriano, with a blister on his foot, Ronaldo Angelim, who returned well after the rest of the squad, Fernando, recently signed but not yet registered, and Obina, who could still be punished for the incident with Maurício while still at Palmeiras last year, are all doubtful. But Andrade has already mapped out the worst-case scenarios for his team.

"Suddenly, we'll only debut with three or four players who finished last year as starters. So we ask everyone to be calm, as this start will be more difficult. I'm sure the fans will support us now, as they always have. Regarding the team, I'm counting on the players who are here today. If reinforcements arrive, even better, but I'll look for the options I have in the squad at the moment," he analyzed.

Those reaping the benefits of this are players who, until now, hadn't had many opportunities, and even those returning from loan spells. Young Jorbison, who is playing in a tournament with the U-20 national team, is expected to earn the left-back spot, but Leo Medeiros could be a makeshift starter. Vinícius Pacheco and Erick Flores are vying for Pet's spot, and Gil is expected to take the spot previously held by Zé Roberto.

"I have a team in mind, but I need to put it into practice. In theory, everything always works out. We need to see how it works on the field and try out changes as well. I still need to decide on Pet's replacement and who will partner Adriano or Obina. I thought about starting Fernando, but it's still early due to the physical situation. In the middle, I have Vinícius and Erick, and up front, initially, it's Gil as a partner for Adriano or Obina," he concluded.

Therefore, the base of the team that should debut is: Bruno, Everton Silva, Álvaro, David and Jorbison (Léo Medeiros); Toró, Willians, Kleberson and Vinícius Pacheco (Erick Flores); Obina (Adriano) and Gil.