Flamengo will have important changes in the midfield structure for Copa Libertadores’s group stage commitment from América. The technical committee led by Leonardo Jardim defined that Jorge Carrascal will be the replacement for Arrascaeta in the match against Independiente Medellín, at Colômbia. The game takes place on Thursday (7), at 9:30 pm, on Estádio Atanasio Girardot.
Além from the frame change, the Jorginho steering wheel must be spared by the technical committee. The decision comes after the 2-2 draw against Vasco, last Sunday, by Campeonato Brasileiro. Physical exhaustion and the need to rotate the squad weighed on the choice of coach. Jardim seeks to avoid new injuries in a tight schedule of international and national competitions.
Jorge Carrascal gains opportunity among holders
The addition of Carrascal aims to maintain the offensive dynamics that the team lost with the absence of Arrascaeta. The Colombian midfielder knows the opponent and Atanasio Girardot’s pitch well, a factor that influenced his technical choice. Leonardo Jardim believes that the number 16’s ball handling speed could be the difference against the home team’s pressing marking.
The coach worked on tactical variations during the last training sessions on Ninho and Urubu. Carrascal must act centrally, but with freedom to drop down the wings and float between the defensive lines. Essa movement is considered essential to equip the red-black attack on Colombian soil. The player seeks to regain his leading role after a period of physical fluctuation.
Disputa opened in the steering wheel sector to replace Jorginho
Com Jorginho preserved, the main doubt lies in the duo of midfielders that will support the sector. Duas options appear in full force in Leonardo Jardim’s plans for the confrontation. The Uruguayan De La Cruz and the Spanish Saúl compete for the position alongside Pulgar. Ambos were on the field in the classic against Vasco, but presented performances that generated internal questions.
- Saúl recently returned from a muscle injury.
- De La Cruz showed a drop in technical performance in the last few games.
- The final decision will only be communicated after the last tactical activity.
- The technical committee evaluates the athletes’ GPS data.
- The moderate altitude factor of Medellín influences the physical choice.
Saúl had a performance considered discreet in last weekend’s draw. The Spanish midfielder is still looking for the ideal competitive rhythm after the time spent in the medical department. On the other hand, De La Cruz offers a more accelerated ball transition, a feature valued by Jardim for away games in Libertadores. The choice depends exclusively on the athletes’ physiological response over the next 24 hours.
Situação of Flamengo in Copa Libertadores table
The Rio club arrives for this round in a comfortable situation, but is alert in the continental tournament. Atualmente, Flamengo leads Grupo A undefeated. São won seven points out of nine possible, the result of two impressive victories and a draw. The advantage for the second placed team in the table is just two points at this point in the competition.
Vencer o Independiente Medellín guarantees greater peace of mind for the end of the group stage in Maracanã. The draw conceded to Vasco in stoppage time by Campeonato Brasileiro turned on the warning signal about defensive concentration. Therefore, Jardim demanded more intensity and focus in the final minutes of the matches. The technical committee understands that any error in Colômbia could cost the group the isolated lead.
The cast travels by chartered flight to minimize the strain on international logistics. Physical preparation has prepared a special supplementation and rest schedule for the athletes who will be used. The absence of Jorginho is part of this preventive planning aimed at continuing the Brazilian season. The club wants to prevent key players from entering the so-called “risk zone” for serious muscle injuries.
Relacionamento between Pedro and technical committee on the agenda
Fora of the four lines, striker Pedro recently commented on the relationship with the former coaching staff and the current moment under the command of Leonardo Jardim. The center forward sought to put an end to speculation about friction with former coach Filipe Luís. Segundo the player, the group’s total focus is on the 2026 objectives and the tactical evolution proposed by the new Portuguese commander.
The relationship with Jardim is described as professional and transparent by members of the football department. Pedro has received special attention in finishing and positioning training in the area. Essa internal stability is seen as essential so that the team does not get upset by specific negative results. The attacker remains a key player in the offensive scheme for the Libertadores duel.