A new addition to Flamengo's defense could emerge next Sunday. Fabrício, just 19 years old, recently returned from Egypt, where he played in the U-20 World Cup for the Brazilian national team, trained with the starting lineup on Thursday and is likely to replace Ronaldo Angelim in the derby against Botafogo at the Engenhão stadium. A product of the club's youth academy, he's hoping the opportunity materializes and hopes to help Flamengo earn three more points and move even closer to the top four.

2009 has been an increasingly good year for Fabrício. After a loan spell at Hoffenheim in Germany, where he stayed until May and didn't get many opportunities to play, the young defender returned to Flamengo in early June and finally realized his dream of making his professional debut for the club. Considered promising since the youth teams, he was promoted in 2008, but was soon loaned to Paraná and ultimately failed to establish himself in the Flamengo squad.

Now, his situation is different. He's considered a great option by coach Andrade, and on Sunday, he could have a chance to start against Botafogo at the Engenhão stadium. With Ronaldo Angelim suspended and Álvaro injured, Fabrício is likely to form a central defensive partnership with Airton, playing on the left flank. That's how the red-and-black coach lined up his team in last Thursday's training session. "I'm very happy to return to my club and already have the chance to start in a derby, which should be a full house. It's great. I arrived in good shape, I'm training hard, and I'll work hard to be a starter and establish myself here. I've been at the club since I was a kid, and I really want to establish myself and bring joy to this wonderful fan base," the player stated.

Whether or not he plays against Botafogo, defender Álvaro, who will be re-evaluated today and only then will know if he can play on Sunday, is considered a role model for Fabrício. Since the experienced defender, formerly of Internacional, arrived at Gávea, Flamengo has not lost a single game. Flamengo is now unbeaten in the Brazilian Championship at nine games.

"Álvaro is a key player for Flamengo, who gives the younger players a sense of peace of mind because he's more experienced and seasoned, and he's fit in well with the team. He's a great example for me and, I believe, for everyone coming through the youth ranks," he said.

It's worth noting that Fabrício was the only Flamengo representative on the Brazilian U-20 team that competed in the World Cup this month in Egypt. The defender considered the experience one of the most important of his career, despite the team losing the title in a thrilling final, which ended in a penalty shootout, to Ghana.

"Despite finishing second, it was unforgettable. An experience with the national team is always valuable, especially at a World Cup, and I believe it was very good for me in every way," concluded Fabrício.