Flamengo's squad returned to training on Tuesday afternoon at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center in Vargem Grande. The red-and-black team began training for Sunday's decisive match against Náutico in Recife. Third in the Brazilian Championship, the team from Gávea can take the lead if they beat the Pernambuco team at Estádio dos Aflitos.

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In the first part of the training session, the Flamengo squad worked hard on their physical training with coach Alexandre Sanz. Soon after, the players were divided into two teams, which faced each other on a reduced-size field.

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Adriano was excused from training by vice president Marcos Braz to resolve personal matters and will return tomorrow. Petkovic, spared from training, went to São Paulo to record an appearance on Programa do Jô. Defender Álvaro is in Campinas attending his mother's heart surgery.

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After training, coach Andrade said he hasn't yet chosen a replacement for number 6 Juan, who is suspended from the match. Toró will take Maldonado's place, as he is with the Chilean national team.

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"I have all week to study and decide on the best option for Juan's spot. We don't have Everton, and I'll have to improvise. It could be Ronaldo Angelim, forming a back four with Álvaro, David, and Léo Moura. But it could also be Everton Silva, who is a strong player and can help defend that area. I have time, and we'll see in training."