Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa in race to be fit for Racing clash | OneFootball

Icon: OneFootball

OneFootball

Seamus Leonard·28 November 2020

Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa in race to be fit for Racing clash

Article image:Flamengo's Gabriel Barbosa in race to be fit for Racing clash

Flamengo may have to face Racing in their Copa Libertadores Round of 16 second leg on Tuesday without the services of top striker Gabriel Barbosa.

Gabigol scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw in Argentina last Tuesday, but was replaced just before the hour mark by Vitinho.


OneFootball Videos


The 24-year-old, who has been dogged by injuries this season, is said to be suffering from a “muscular imbalance”.

Given his issues this campaign, Flamengo are said to be unwilling to select him unless they are convinced he is 100% recovered.

Gabigol’s absence could create an attacking crisis for the defending Copa champions.

Pedro would be the obvious replacement, but he has only just resumed training after returning from international duty with Brazil with a thigh injury.

Should neither striker be fit enough to start at the Maracanã, manager Rogério Ceni is likely to ask one of his wide players to fill in the central role in a 4-2-3-1.

This browser is not supported, please use a different one or install the app

video-poster

In that event, Ceni would have to choose from one of Lincoln, Vitinho and Bruno Henrique.