Souza returns to the team after injury and forms an attack with Leonardo.

Flamengo takes the field this Sunday at 16 p.m. at Orlando Scarpelli Stadium in Florianópolis, looking to defend its strong away record in the opening rounds of the Brazilian Championship. More importantly, a strong result against Figueirense, in addition to keeping the team undefeated on the road, will allow the Red-Blacks to leap up the table and close in on the leaders.

Therefore, this Sunday's game holds strategic importance for the Flamengo coaching staff. After all, it will be followed by three games in Rio de Janeiro, giving Flamengo a chance to truly take the lead in the competition.

"Today we're five points behind the leaders. It's not ideal, but a good result against Figueirense would be very important. Then we'll play three games in Rio de Janeiro and we could finish among the leaders. Flamengo has the team to compete in this Brazilian Championship at the top of the table," says coach Ney Franco.

The three games at Maracanã will be against Internacional, Vasco, and Juventude. Beforehand, however, Ney Franco had to assemble the team to play in southern Brazil due to an unexpected injury. This Saturday morning, Renato's absence was confirmed due to a muscle problem in his left thigh.

"We didn't have much time to test possibilities for Renato's position. I think the option with Leonardo alongside Souza could yield good results," said Ney Franco, who hopes to have Souza more fixed in the box and Leonardo with more freedom to move on the wings.

With Leonardo's lineup, Renato Augusto leaves the attack and starts playing as a midfielder, forming the sector alongside Paulinho and Claiton.

Figueirense x Flamengo

Location: Orlando Scarpelli, Florianópolis (SC)

Time: 16h

Referee: Alício Pena Junior (Fifa-MG)

Assistants: Marco Antonio Gomes (Fifa-MG) and Helberth Costa Andrade (MG)

Figueirense: Wilson, Felipe Santana, Chicão and Édson; Ruy, Henrique, Cleiton Xavier, Adriano Gabiru and André Santos; Jean Carlos and Victor Simões. Coach: Mario Sergio.

Flamengo: Bruno, Moisés, Thiago and Ronaldo Angelim; Leonardo Moura, Paulinho, Claiton, Renato Augusto and Juan; Leonardo and Souza. Coach: Ney Franco.