Leo Ortiz is back. The defender is the main new addition to the Flamengo squad to face Mexican Cruz Azul in the debut of the Intercontinental Cup. The Derby of the Americas begins at 2 p.m. (Brasilia time) at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Qatar.
Filipe Luís practically repeated the team that beat Palmeiras in the Libertadores final and confirmed the Brazilian title against Ceará. The only change is the entry of Ortiz in place of Danilo.
Composition: Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Pulgar, Jorginho, Carrascal and Arrascaeta; Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.
Absent since the end of October due to a right ankle injury, Ortiz was present for the last matches, but he was not 100% physically and Danilo took his place. The veteran took advantage of the opportunity to score the Libertadores title goal and further boost the team’s morale. However, number 3 was able to play again and found his place.
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Pedro appears on the bench, but cannot play due to a muscle injury in his left thigh. The center forward has only traveled to join the Intercontinental group, but the chances of playing are low, even if Flamengo advance. The scenario in which he would not return to the field until 2026 is increasingly real.
“Pedro is following the recovery plan established by Flamengo’s medical department. Although he is on the bench for today’s match, he is not yet ready to play,” Flamengo said in a statement.
If they win today, Flamengo will face Egyptian Pyramids next Saturday, also at 2 p.m. (GMT), in the Challenger Cup. The main objective is to reach the Intercontinental final, against French Paris Saint-Germain, on the 17th.
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