Coach Andrade and the Flamengo fans expected Willians, the top ball-winner in the last edition of the Brazilian Championship, to return to the field next Wednesday, recovered from an ankle injury. However, the news from Flamengo's medical department is not good. According to Dr. Marcelo Soares, the player's inclusion in the starting lineup for the match against Americano, at 19:30 pm at the Maracanã, is practically ruled out.

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"Willians' case is complicated. He will be re-evaluated, but it's very unlikely he'll be on the field against Americano," said the Flamengo team doctor.

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However, the predictions for the highly anticipated Fla x Flu match next Sunday are a little better. According to Dr. Marcelo, the number 8 player may be recovered in time for the duel, which could decide who will be the leader of Group A in this year's Campeonato Carioca.

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"I think he has a better chance for the derby, as we'll have a little more time to work on his recovery," he explained.

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Coach Andrade doesn't want to rush things. For the Flamengo manager, it's better to lose the player for one or two games at the start of the year than to jeopardize his entire season. In his place, Fernando, signed from Goiás, should continue playing, and he has been performing well in his first few matches wearing the Flamengo jersey.

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"He suffered an ankle sprain, and there's no point in sacrificing him. It could make things worse. We need to be careful," analyzed coach Andrade.