The 2024 Brazilian Championship was not interrupted for the dispute of this year’s Copa América, which is being organized in the United States.
As a result, Flamengo had several absences in their squad due to players called up to various national teams for the competition.
Important absences
- The Uruguayan national team was mainly responsible for Flamengo’s absences in the Brazilian Championship;
- Arrascaeta, De la Cruz, Viña and Varela represent Uruguay in the Copa América;
- In addition, Erick Pulgar is with the Chilean national team in the continental competition.
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Early return?
Chile’s below-average performance in the Copa América may be responsible for midfielder Erick Pulgar’s early return to Flamengo.
The Chilean national team has only one point in two matches in group A of the competition, after a goalless draw with Peru and a 1-0 loss to Argentina.
Thus, the Chileans need to win against Canada in the last round of the group stage to have a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.
Only the top two in each of the four Copa América groups qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.
Flamengo are unlikely to host derbies in the new stadium
Flamengo are close to achieving an old dream of their fans and the club as well, the construction of their own stadium. The City of Rio de Janeiro has expropriated the land that the club has been eyeing for some time, and Flamengo are expected to purchase it to start the construction work in the coming years.
However, even with their own stadium, Flamengo are unlikely to host the Rio de Janeiro derbies in their new home, keeping these matches at the Maracanã. The reason is the board’s concern that rival fans may vandalize the new stadium.
