The decision now rests with Andrade. Petkovic returned to training with his Flamengo teammates this Monday at Ninho do Urubu, after spending a week training separately in Gávea. The Serbian participated in all tactical training led by the Flamengo coach and is available for Wednesday's match against Botafogo, a semifinal round match of the Taça Guanabara.

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The foreigner began training as a starter, playing alongside Vagner Love and Adriano. Later, Vinícius Pacheco, who had replaced him in the last few rounds, took his place. The young Flamengo midfielder has nothing but praise for Pet. According to the player, the number 43 is well-liked by the entire squad and a personal inspiration to himself.

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"Pet returned very calmly. He is loved by everyone and a close friend to each of us. We were very happy with his return; everyone welcomed him. He greeted everyone, is back, and will be important to help us in the competition. He is very experienced, has good passing, and is a great finisher. I've always watched him and have been trying to maintain his level to perform well for Flamengo," he said.

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Midfielder Willians also praised his teammate's return. For the red-and-black guard, Petkovic will be able to perform even better now after the intense physical training he underwent in recent days at Gávea.

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"We all wanted him back. He's a very important player in the group. He prepared well, since he didn't have a good preseason. Pet is a guy who makes decisions and will be a key player if he returns the way he was last year," he said.

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Carnival didn't interfere with the club's activities. All players attended training as usual, which was closely monitored by club president Patricia Amorim. The only absence from the club was midfielder Kleberson, who suffered thigh pain. He hadn't trained last Saturday and only did strength training today at the Ninho do Urubu gym.

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Change in schedule - Tuesday's training session has been rescheduled. The session was originally scheduled for 16 p.m., but will now begin at 17 p.m. This is the red-and-black squad's final session before the derby against Botafogo. From Ninho do Urubu, the squad will head straight to the training camp in Barra da Tijuca.