Flamengo’s midfield crisis puts July ambitions in doubt | OneFootball

Flamengo are preparing for a crucial July fixture list as they look to regroup after their Club World Cup exit, according to reporting from Lance. After returning to Rio de Janeiro following the defeat, the squad will resume training on Saturday the 5th, with a busy month ahead featuring six games, including one derby and a key cup tie.

The team’s first match back in the Brazilian league sees them host São Paulo at Maracanã on Saturday, July 12 at 16:30. Just four days later, Flamengo travel to Vila Belmiro for an encounter with Santos on July 16 at 21:30. Their next home fixture is the classic against Fluminense on July 20, set for 19:30. The schedule remains relentless: on July 23, they face Red Bull Bragantino away at Estádio Cícero de Souza Marques, and then return to the Maracanã for two consecutive games against Atlético Mineiro. The first is a league match on July 27 at 20:30, and the second, on July 31, is the opening leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

Flamengo currently lead the Brasileirao with 24 points, and have secured their spots in both the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil knockout rounds. Maintaining depth and form during this dense schedule will be critical, especially as the team faces significant absences in midfield.

Manager Filipe Luís will be without first-choice holding midfielder Erick Pulgar, who is scheduled for surgery on his right foot after fracturing his fifth metatarsal during the World Cup defeat to Bayern Munich. Pulgar’s recovery time is uncertain, and his absence highlights a pressing issue: Flamengo’s midfield is already under strain following the departure of Gerson to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

The club will need to find effective solutions for these personnel gaps if they hope to maintain their lead domestically and progress on multiple fronts. The coming games will not only test the depth of the squad but also the adaptability of Luís’ tactical approach, especially following recent scrutiny of the team’s style and structure.

(Sources: Lance)

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