Renato Augusto could be Flamengo's big surprise for Sunday's match against Grêmio in Porto Alegre. The player has recovered from a right knee injury and hopes to shine again on the field.

"I had a nasty injury that set me back, but I'm pain-free now and I've asked Dr. Runco and Ronaldo Torres to keep me training more physically so I can return to the team in good shape. I can't perform well without being well prepared physically. In total, I'll have 10 days of training for the Grêmio game, and I think I can return. It all depends on how I feel, so as not to disrupt the team."

The two injuries he suffered this season are now in the past. Renato Augusto is looking to have a great run in the Brazilian Championship.

-"Nothing in my life has been easy. I've always achieved things by sweating a lot. Even with these injuries, I'll keep working hard to play and give my best on the field. A young player like me suffering these injuries is always a hindrance, but I'm confident that I'll have a good year, helping the team do well in the Brazilian Championship."

For the number 10, the elimination from the Libertadores is behind him. The important thing now is to stay atop the national championship table.

-"It's important to always win, not just after being eliminated from the Libertadores. Last year we started poorly in the Brazilian Championship, and if things had been different, we could have fought for the title. Let's look ahead, forgetting what happened. Staying stuck in the past is pointless. Our life now is the Brazilian Championship. The ideal time to get going is now, while there are teams in other competitions. With a good start, we can have more success in the competition."