Pedro’s 52-day absence ended yesterday with a ten-minute performance in Flamengo’s 2-0 Intercontinental Cup semi-final victory over Pyramids. The striker contradicted the deadlines which indicated that his return would not take place until 2026, and became an important reinforcement for Filipe Luís in the last challenge of the season: the decision against Paris Saint-Germain, next Wednesday.
- Learn more: Filipe Luís says he is privileged to take Flamengo to the intercontinental final and calls for a “perfect match” against PSG
- Walk: Pumas presents 32 million reais proposal and Juninho nears his departure from Flamengo
The number 9 has not played since October 22, when he fractured his right forearm against Racing, during the first match of the Libertadores semi-final. Just as he was set to return, he suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh in November, which put his participation in this season in doubt – the deadline was six weeks.
He was unable to play in the Libertadores final, against Palmeiras. Despite this, he traveled to Lima and Doha to compete in the Intercontinental. At first the idea was just to get the group together, but he returned to training with his teammates and was able to get a few minutes in today’s match.
— I am happy to be able to return to the field and participate in the World Cup. It was a serious injury that required six weeks of recovery. Thank God, I was able to recover in three and a half weeks, very quickly and earlier than expected – emphasized Pedro in the mixed zone of the Ahmad bin Ali stadium.
— Thank God for the medical service and the physiotherapists who participated in this process so that I could be on the ground. Today was a short time, but I felt good. This gives me confidence for the final, where I always dreamed of being. It’s definitely a very important match for us and I’m happy to be able to play today, added the striker.
/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_da025474c0c44edd99332dddb09cabe8/internal_photos/bs/2025/b/e/mf7gp5TCm8SS9EkBbLoA/54981385882-edcf0d0ff4-k-1-.jpg)
Even in a short time, Pedro was close to scoring Flamengo’s third goal against Pyramids. There were two shots, one from outside the area and the other very dangerous in front of the goalkeeper. It’s difficult for the number 9 to start against PSG or get many minutes beyond what he received this Saturday, but he becomes an extra piece in the equation for Filipe Luís.
According to the 28-year-old, the mental part and the work done outside the club have been fundamental. The medical service itself knows that it is prepared to speed up the healing of these injuries.
— I took good care of myself, I took care of myself 24 hours a day. Not only at Flamengo, but also at home. Here at the hotel we can stay all day healing and recovering. Without a doubt, with a good head it helps a lot. I know God has perfect timing for all things. Without a doubt, I expected to be present at this World Cup. For the Libertadores final, it would be difficult. But at the World Cup, I believed in it. I managed to be on the field to help my teammates also for the final. He is 100% focused and has a good head – said the player.
This season, Pedro has 15 goals and seven assists in 38 games. He shares second place in the group with Bruno Henrique, and is only behind Arrascaeta (25). Filipe Luís commented on counting on the return of number 9 for the Intercontinental final.
— Let’s wait until Wednesday to find out if he will be in the team or not. Without a doubt, it is very different. When you touch the ball, it makes a difference. He came in at 85 and had two chances to score. He knows how to finish, creates danger, in addition to the sequence he gives to the attack. The ball lands on his foot and doesn’t die. The play thrives. He’s a very different player. I hope he can add more training and play more minutes against Paris, the coach said at a press conference.
About The Author
