Flamengo power shapes Brazil’s World Cup charge | OneFootball

Flamengo's influence on the Brazil national team remains strong, with five of their players—Danilo, Wesley, Alex Sandro, Gerson, and Léo Ortiz—reporting for duty on Monday morning in São Paulo. Their arrival brings the squad to 23 ahead of Carlo Ancelotti's first training session with almost the full group present at Corinthians’ training ground.

The Flamengo contingent traveled early from Rio after a 5-0 win over Fortaleza at Maracanã, joining the national squad at their hotel near Guarulhos just after 10:30 a.m. Only Marquinhos, Beraldo, and Carlos Augusto (all arriving from Europe) were yet to join, with the trio due later in the day and not expected to participate in the opening session.

Within the group, only Wesley had not featured in Flamengo’s dominant league win the previous night. The timing of their arrival means all five will be available for Ancelotti’s early tactical drills, with Brazil having just two days of preparation in São Paulo before departing for Guayaquil, where they face Ecuador in Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier.

The call-up underscores Flamengo’s depth and the club’s ongoing contribution to the national setup. Their representatives link up with a squad where initial arrivals included high-profile names like Vinicius Jr., Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, and Gabriel Martinelli. Several players, including Estevão of Palmeiras, checked in after late-night domestic fixtures, reflecting the tight scheduling for Brazilian internationals.

Currently, Brazil occupy fourth place in the South American World Cup qualifying group, with 21 points. The sides last met in qualifying in September 2021, which ended in a goalless draw. After the Ecuador match, Brazil will host Paraguay at NeoQuímica Arena on June 10.

Flamengo’s squad, like many others across Brazil’s top clubs, is feeling the impact of international absences as several regulars step away to join their national teams. This comes at a critical point in the club and international calendars, with managers having to adjust lineups for domestic and upcoming international tournaments. Nonetheless, for the players involved, the pride of representing Brazil on the continental stage takes center stage this week.

Source: Globo, Lance