James Anderson and Stuart Broad are prepared to put in the hard yards in a holding role during England’s Test series in Sri Lanka, and accept that they are unlikely to play every game in Asia over the next two months.England opted to pick only one of Anderson and Broad at a time in their 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka in late 2018, with the pair taking just one wicket between them in a combined 55 overs as spin dominated the series. While Sri Lanka’s most recent home series against New Zealand saw the seamers play a slightly greater role, head coach Mickey Arthur told the on Thursday that he expected “typical Sri Lankan conditions” in the two Tests at Galle this month.Speaking on Sky Sports’ Cricket Show, both Anderson and Broad said that they expected to perform a defensive role in the series, and said that they are anticipating some rotation among bowlers on their tour of the subcontinent. Straight after the second Test in Sri Lanka, England will fly to India for a four-match series, starting on February 5 in Chennai.James Anderson bowls in the nets•ECB

“You do play a slightly different role [in Sri Lanka],” Anderson said. “As was the case last time we were here, the spinners are the attacking option and the seamers then have a holding role – it’s almost breaking up the spinners and trying to give them a rest, whereas in England, they might be doing that job and you’re the more attacking bowler. It’s a different outlook on it as a seamer, but you’re still in the game and you can still get wickets.””Galle might be a pitch that if you bowl 20 overs, 1 for 40, you’ve actually done a brilliant role,” Broad said. “If you do that for your whole career, you’re not going to stay in the side that long, averaging 40, but it’s being realistic. For a spinner in England, a perfect job would be: first innings, 20 overs, 1 for 40, and then he comes into the game later on. I think we flip that over here: we can hold in the first innings, and then you might get reverse-swing later in the game when the pitch is warm… and the ball roughs up slightly.”It’s unrealistic to think that you’re going to play all six Test matches and be the leading wicket-taker in these conditions. You just have to not get greedy when you get that opportunity: if you play three Tests out of six, [you have to] do your role for those three Tests, not selfishly try to get wickets to get you in the next game.”Anderson suggested this week that Sri Lanka will have “a slight advantage” going into the first Test, having recently completed a two-match series in South Africa while England have not played a Test since late August. England’s red-ball specialists trained in a heated marquee at Loughborough in the final few months of 2020 while the white-ball sides have not played in more than a month, and Broad admitted that the touring squad was “a bit shy” on match fitness a week out from the first Test.Related

• England lean towards three-seamer, two-spinner strategy for first Sri Lanka Test

• James Anderson: Sri Lanka have 'slight advantage' heading into England series

• Zak Crawley out to prove he is no 'one-hit wonder' in Sri Lanka after epic 267 against Pakistan

• Jonny Bairstow confident ahead of anticipated Test recall: 'I think my game's in the best place it's been'

• Jack Leach admits Covid-19 concerns meant he feared he had played his last Test

“In international cricket these days you don’t get these sorts of breaks, normally,” he said. “It is a long period of time without spending time in the field, keeping the bones used to fast bowling.”We’re probably a bit shy on match fitness but you’ve got to make the best of what you can. We’ve got warm-up games over the next two days, and that’ll be just about acclimatising to the conditions, but it is by far the shortest preparation time I can remember on an England tour.”Meanwhile, Anderson backed Jonny Bairstow to make a success of his recall to the red-ball side after a year-long absence, but suggested he had underachieved in his Test career to date. Bairstow averages 34.74 with the bat after 70 Tests, but said on Thursday that his game is “in the best place it’s [ever] been” going into the Sri Lanka series.”As we’ve seen when he’s played for England in the past, he can bat anywhere in the order, and he’s got this determination that [means] he wants to do well, he wants to succeed,” Anderson said.”He’s someone who I look at him and think he should probably have done better than how he has done for England. But obviously, situations with going up and down the order, it’s not been easy for him. I’d like to think that he’s got much more in the tank for England.”

Real Madrid's Eder Militao and Rodrygo were both forced off in distress after suffering injuries against Osasuna, and the former's looked serious.

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• Rodrygo removed after 20 minutes clutching his thigh
• Militao stretchered off screaming in pain, holding right knee
• Centre-back missed most of last season with ACL injury

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Los Blancos have more injury problems. Two key players – Rodrygo and Militao – were removed from action early in their La Liga clash against Osasuna. Rodrygo was first, going down clutching his heavily-strapped thigh and limping off the pitch.

  Militao followed him, just five minutes after. The centre-back seemed to jar his right knee, and was screaming in pain before being stretchered off. The Brazilian tore his left ACL last year in the opening fixture of the season.

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  Madrid are already have their injury issues. Right-back Dani Carvajal will miss the season after tearing his ACL last month. Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni and Thibaut Courtois won't be back until early December with respective knocks.

  David Alaba, who sustained a serious knee injury of his own last year, is yet to return to the fray.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Los Blancos called on academy defender Raul Asencio to replace Militao. The teenager, making his debut, marked his first appearance with a wonderful lofted assist to Jude Bellingham.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Los Blancos led Osasuna 2-0 at half-time despite the injuries. They will hope for encouraging news on their two stars, who will at least have time to be checked over in the upcoming international break.

احتفل فريق برشلونة، مساء يوم الأحد، بتتويجه ببطولة كأس السوبر الإسباني نسخة 2025، بعد التغلب على غريمه ريال مدريد، في كلاسيكو مثير وعامر بالأهداف.

واستضاف ملعب “الجوهرة المشعة” في المملكة العربية السعودية مباراة النهائي بين برشلونة وريال مدريد.

وتمكن برشلونة من تحقيق فوز عريض بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين، بعدما كان متأخرًا في النتيجة بهدف منذ الدقيقة الخامسة.

وبعد إطلاق صافرة نهاية المباراة ومن ثم الفوز بكأس السوبر الإسباني، احتفل لاعبو برشلونة بشكل رائع على أرض الملعب، وسط سعادة غامرة.

وظهر أكثر من لاعب في برشلونة وهو يرتدي نظارة شمسية خلال الاحتفال، مثل رافينها ولامين يامال، مما أثار التساؤلات حول مغزى ذلك.

وذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية أن أصل تلك الطريقة الغريبة في الاحتفال، والتي ظهرت لأول مرة في إسبانيا بين لاعبات المنتخب النسائي، تعود إلى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وتحديدًا دوري كرة السلة للمحترفين.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تير شتيجن: لاعبو برشلونة يستحقون رفع كأس السوبر أكثر مني

وأوضحت أن لاعبي كرة السلة في أمريكا دائمًا ما يحتفلون بتلك الطريقة، عن طريق ارتداء النظارات الشمسية.

وأفادت أن ارتداء تلك النظارات لها أكثر من تفسير، الأول والأكثر منطقية هو استخدامها كحماية عند فتح زجاجات المشروبات الكحولية، حيث يعتاد اللاعبون على فعل ذلك خلال تلك النوعية من الاحتفالات.

ليس هذا فقط، بل أن ارتداء تلك النظارات والتقاليع الغريبة يُعد جزءًا من الثقافة الأمريكية، حيث يستخدم اللاعبون جميع أنواع العناصر المختلفة للتميز، بما في ذلك تلك النظارات.

كما يعتبر استخدام هذا النوع من العدسات منتشرًا جدًا في الرياضات الأمريكية، بما في ذلك بعض الفرق التي صممت نظارات خصيصًا لهذه المناسبة، وعادة ما تكون مزينة بشعار الفريق الذي ينتمى اللاعبون إليه.

وترى الصحيفة أن احتفال لاعبي برشلونة بتلك الطريقة يدل على مدى انتشار الثقافة الأمريكية في غرفة ملابس النادي الكتالوني.

The number one priority for Steve Parish and co this summer will be to replace the stars set to leave Crystal Palace, and the Eagles look set to do so as they edge closer to signing a quality free agent.

Palace hatch a plan to replace outgoing stars

The latest rumours out of Selhurst Park surround the future of Michael Olise, who has all but left South London with the Frenchman set to sign for Bayern Munich in the coming days.

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Olise's attacking partner Eberechi Eze has also been linked with a move away from Palace. Spurs have shown the greatest interest in the England international with the North Londoners reportedly not put off by Eze's £60 million release clause.

In replace of the outgoing talents, Palace are eyeing up a number of impressive attacking players. Palace boss Oliver Glasner is said to want to bring Juventus' Filip Kostic to Crystal Palace this summer after he managed the Serbia international at Frankfurt.

With Palace clearly eager to sure up the future of their attack, the Eagles are now leading the race for a versatile attacking force who will be perfect for Glasner's style of play.

Eagles lead race for sought after free agent

As first reported on the X account of The Athletic's David Ornstein, Ryan Sessegnon is training at Crystal Palace with a view to sign for the club. The 24-year-old is currently a free agent after his £55,000-a-week contract with Spurs expired at the end of last month, leaving him free to leave North London.

A previous report by HITC suggested that Palace were just one of many teams interested in Sessegnon with Fulham, Leeds United, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Real Betis, Monza, Como and Atalanta also pursuing the attacking full back.

This new development of Sessegnon training at Copers Cope Road suggests that the Eagles are leading the race for the 24-year-old, and whichever team picks him up could be in line for a bargain as they won't have to spend a penny to sign him.

The curtain fell on Sessegnon's time in North London after the 24-year-old struggled with issues with both fitness and form. Playing just seven senior minutes over the course of last season, it was clear that Sessegnon would not be a part of Ange Postecoglou's plans going into the next campaign.

Despite his recent struggles for form, there is no doubt that Sessegnon has the potential to be a quality player. The attacking full back earned his move to Spurs off the back of the 2017/18 season with Fulham which saw the then 17-year-old pick up the accolades of both Championship Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. The Englishman contributed 15 goals and 6 assists over the course of that campaign.

Speaking at the time, former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic praised the then teenager after the 2018 playoff final telling the press: "He's 17-years-old and he's special. At this stage [of his career] it's really fantastic, but at the end he knows it's about focusing and concentrating if he wants to prove himself, but he did a great job for us and himself."

With Glasner's attacking style of play now well established, Palace could do a lot worse than a high potential free agent that his new manager would be able to get the best out of.

Arsenal have made a player plus cash offer for one of their top transfer targets this summer, according to the latest reports.

Mikel Arteta keen to go one better

Just like England, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side have suffered back to back heartbreaks after finishing as runners up to Manchester City across both of the previous Premier League seasons.

Pipped by just two points in the most recent campaign, the Gunners are expected to strengthen this summer as they look to make it third time lucky against Pep Guardiola's side.

So far though, business has been slow. The north London side have signed David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford after impressing on loan last season, a campaign in which he won the golden glove with Arsenal.

Arsenal chiefs ready to sell £58k-p/w ace who Arteta thinks is "very good"

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They are also closing in on a deal to sign teenage goalkeeper Tommy Setford, with a move from Ajax believed to be in the closing stages.

The focus has largely been on exits though, with English quartet Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah all believed to be up for sale this summer in a bid to raise funds for incomings.

So far, only two players have departed, with both Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares having left north London for Seville and Rome respectively. Another exit seems likely soon, and Arsenal are trying to use it as a chance to land one of their summer targets.

Gunners offer defender in deal

That comes in the shape of Jakub Kiwior, who has endured a mixed spell at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival in January 2023. Deployed either at left centre-back or more regularly at left back, the Poland international started just 11 Premier League games last season and that number is likely to reduce further with Jurrien Timber's return from injury.

Options for Arsenal at left back

Player

Age

Oleksandr Zinchenko

27

Kieran Tierney

27

Jurrien Timber

23

Takehiro Tomiyasu

25

Now, the Gunners have reportedly tried to use him in a deal to sign another left-footed centre back. That, of course, is Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori, who has risen to the top of Arsenal's wishlist with a strong EURO 2024 showing on top of an excellent season in Serie A.

Dubbed a "monster" by analyst Ben Mattinson on X, the 6 foot 2 defender was wanted by Chelsea but they have since pulled out of a move, and the 22-year-old seems likely to end up with Arsenal this summer.

According to Bologna outlet Il Resto del Carlino, the Italian is keen to join Arsenal and has accepted personal terms on a five-year deal in north London worth 5m euros per season (roughly £80,000 per week), which is a massive increase on his current £12,000 per week deal with the Serie A side.

However, an agreement with Arsenal is not so easy, thanks in part to Swiss side Basel having a 50% claim to any fee taken in for Calafiori.

To try and get around this, it is claimed by the same outlet that Arsenal offered Bologna the services of Kiwior on loan with an obligation to buy the defender next summer, but that the Italian side rejected the proposal.

However, The Telegraph claim that despite this failure, there remains "a growing expectation that a deal will be done" in the weeks to come, and that Calafiori will be plying his trade at the Emirates Stadium next season.

Manchester United have made an approach to sign a £600,000-a-week midfielder, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly happy to pay up to £40m to complete a deal.

Man Utd want to sign new midfielder

It has been a fairly productive transfer market for Ratcliffe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the Red Devils moving on a number of players.

Man Utd summer departures

New club

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Mason Greenwood

Marseille

€26m

Willy Kambwala

Villarreal

€10m

Alvaro Carreras

Benfica

€6m

Donny van de Beek

Girona

€500,000

Raphael Varane

Como

Free

Omari Forson

Monza

Free

Anthony Martial

Without club

Brandon Williams

Without club

In regards to incomings, centre-back Leny Yoro and centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee have been the marquee arrivals, but more is still wanted at Old Trafford to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad.

For example, a double deal for Bayern Munich duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt is being worked on, and alongside the right-back and centre-back, a midfielder is also on the Old Trafford wishlist.

There have been plenty of rumours as to who that midfield addition could be, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte the most heavily linked target. There are also alternatives to Ugarte, with contact being made to Burnley’s Sander Berge, whereas talks have also been held for AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

Now, attention has turned back to a long-term target that United supporters will know all about.

Man Utd make Frenkie De Jong approach

According to Manchester World, Man Utd have made an approach to Barcelona over a deal for Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder was heavily linked with a move to work with Ten Hag during the 2022 transfer market, but as we know, a move never materialised.

Now, it looks as if the Red Devils could try again, with the report stating that ‘United have made a tentative approach to Barcelona in recent days to ascertain De Jong’s availability, with the Premier League side open to completing a deal if a fee around the £30m-£40m mark can be agreed’.

De Jong, on a whopping £600,000-a-week with the Catalan giants, has been with Barcelona since 2019 and has made more than 200 appearances for the club. Prior to that, De Jog was at Ajax, where he worked under Ten Hag, turning out 59 times under the current United boss. Ten Hag is a big fan of the current Barcelona star, saying last year:

"Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality. If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger. In Spain he became even better. He's a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him."

Who knows, a move this summer could finally come off, but for now, a tentative approach has been made, making this one to watch.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side made it two wins from two in pre-season during the early hours of Sunday morning, beating fellow Premier League side Manchester United 2-1 in California.

The win comes after the Gunners also beat English opposition Bournemouth earlier in the week, with a penalty shootout securing the win.

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli secured a second win of pre-season for the North London outfit, despite going a goal down just 10 minutes into the meeting after Rasmus Hojlund’s strike.

It was a great opportunity for various first-team and academy talents to stake their claim for a regular place in the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, where Arteta will be aiming to end the club’s 20-year wait for an English top-division title.

One star hugely impressed despite a brief cameo on the pitch, with Arteta now facing a dilemma over his transfer plans as a result of his performance in the US.

Gabriel Martinelli’s stats against Manchester United

Brazilian winger Martinelli endured a tricky end to last season, often being utilised as an impact player, scoring just six goals in the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign.

Leandro Trossard was Arteta’s preferred option on the left-hand side, but after his cameo off the bench last night, he will undoubtedly have given the Gunners’ boss something to think about in the coming weeks.

The Brazilian was brought on in the 71st minute as a replacement for Reiss Nelson, and managed to score the winner with an excellent drive inside before firing the ball past Andre Onana at his near post.

However, despite his goal, he produced some excellent stats, managed of which would’ve caught the eye of boss Arteta.

Minutes played

19

Goals

1

Dribbles completed

3/3 (100%)

Passes completed

3/3 (100%)

Duels won

4/6 (66%)

Tackles won

1

Crosses completed

1/2 (50%)

He managed to complete all three of his attempted dribbles, achieving a 100% success rate, whilst also managing to register the same tally of passes during his cameo off the bench.

The 23-year-old looked sharp, playing with a point to prove, winning four of the six duels that he contested whilst also managing to complete a tackle – as he was awarded a 7/10 match rating by journalist Kaya Kaynak.

His performance would’ve been exactly what Arteta was wanting from the forward after his below-par couple of months for the Gunners, with Martinelli potentially catapulting himself back to being a starter and changing the manager’s mind about one addition.

Why Arteta can forget Williams after Martinelli’s display

In recent months, Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao’s talented winger Nico Williams.

Their interest undoubtedly increased as a result of his impressive Euro 2024 campaign, which saw the Spaniard register two goals and one assist, as he helped his nation win the competition for a fourth time.

It’s previously been reported that the 22-year-old has a £49m release clause in his current contract, with the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea both also wanting to sign the star this summer.

However, with Martinelli being a similar age to the Bilbao forward, he needs consistent minutes in the Premier League to continue on his upward trajectory at the Emirates.

Williams’ potential arrival in North London would only hamper the Brazilian’s progress at the club, with Martinelli showcasing against United that he still has what it takes to be a crucial player under Arteta this season.

Whilst last season was a disappointing one for the attacker, the new campaign presents a new opportunity for Martinelli to impress and reach the levels all Arsenal fans know he’s capable of.

Chelsea chiefs have internally discussed the possibility of doing a deal for one £50 million striker from a rival club, as Todd Boehly and co consider further attacking options for new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Stewart and Winstanley identify striker targets for Chelsea

As widely reported, Chelsea's summer plans are being spearheaded by co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, with the two transfer chiefs already well underway in their efforts to back Maresca.

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Indeed, Chelsea have spent around £93 million on the signings of Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian and latest addition Renato Veiga from FC Basel.

Veiga completed his medical on Wednesday and has signed all the necessary documentation, according to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, and can now be considered a new Chelsea player.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Stewart and Winstanley have registered a net spend of just £4 million – thanks to the sales of Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Michael Golding and Omari Hutchinson – who brought in a total of around £89 million.

Chelsea still have money to spend as a result, and it is believed they are keen on bringing an alternative striking option to Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international actually scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, finishing 2023/2024 as Chelsea's second top scorer, but Maresca has apparently made clear he wants a striker who can compete with Jackson.

Boehly has had a bid rejected for Atletico Madrid starlet Samu Omorodion, as the Blues seek to sign a forward, and it is believed Chelsea maintain a serious interest in Napoli star Victor Osimhen – but a deal will depend on whether president Aurelio De Laurentiis lowers his demands for the Nigerian.

Chelsea have held internal talks over a move for Ivan Toney as well, but the England international isn't the only Premier League striker who the club have pondered a move for. Newcastle United star Alexander Isak was subject to an approach from Chelsea recently, as backed by reliable sources like Sky Sports' Keith Downie.

Chelsea hold behind-the-scenes conversations over Rodrigo Muniz move

Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, via TBR, journalist Ben Jacobs claims the west Londoners hold an interest in rival striker Rodrigo Muniz at Fulham.

Chelsea have apparently spoken internally about signing Muniz this summer, coming after the Brazilian's late-season purple patch, where he scored nine goals in 13 league games between early February to late April.

Muniz, who is rumoured to command a price tag of around £50 million, kept Chelsea loanee Armando Broja out of the Fulham side with a series of scintillating displays last term – which also attracted praise from Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.

"He really was a handful. Tough to play against, horrible to play against in fact," said Shearer after Muniz's performance against Bournemouth in February.

"That's always a good thing for a centre-forward, that's what you have to be. He was strong, he ran the channels, he brought players into the game and he really upset the Bournemouth defenders in every way, in everything he was doing. He was willing to run in behind and on one of the occasions he does it, they get their first goal because of it."

Leganes have prepared for the visit of Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid with a special video featuring the Ballon d'Or and cheeky mascot Super Pepino.

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Vinicius missed out on Ballon d'Or to RodriHeading to Leganes next in La LigaClub issue video ahead of clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Los Blancos return to La Liga action after the international break with a trip to Butarque to take on Leganes. Vinicius Jr will be part of the squad just weeks after narrowly missing out on winning the Ballon d'Or. Leganes have now had a bit of fun ahead of the game by releasing a video showing the prestigious award being captured and taken to the club's stadium, only to be swiped out of the Real Madrid dressing room by the one and only Super Pepino.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT LEGANES SAID

A caption at the end of the video reads simply: "Dear Real Madrid friends, they say that in Leganes dreams come true, but we hope it is not in this match…"

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Real Madrid were so unhappy at seeing Vinicius miss out on the prestigious award they ended up boycotting the ceremony, while the Brazilian was told to "get the Ballon d'Or out of his head" and focus on his football. Vinicius certainly did that last time out in La Liga, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-0 win for Madrid over Osasuna.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com apenas quatro nomes que formam a escalação ideal de Renato Gaúcho, o Flamengo enfrentou, nesta quarta, o Bragantino, que tem em Maurício Barbieri o técnico mais longevo da Série A, e empatou em 1 a 1. Qualquer análise, elogio ou crítica a respeito da atuação do time e do trabalho de Renato, nesta e nas próximas duas partidas, deve partir de um mesmo ponto: os vários desfalques.

-Lógico que temos um grupo bom, montado para disputar as três competições, mas o que peca nesses jogos é a falta de entrosamento – comentou Renato.

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A importância de Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta e Gabriel Barbosa, e os impactos que cada um deles têm no desempenho do Flamengo, já foram esmiuçados ao longo das últimas três temporadas. São três dos atletas mais técnicos atuando no futebol sul-americano, três dos maiores construtores e, no caso do camisa 9, o principal artilheiro. Soma-se a esta conta Isla, e o Flamengo não terá quatro de seus titulares também contra o Fortaleza, no sábado, e Juventude, na terça.

Tudo isso por conta da CBF, que não consegue organizar seus campeonatos e respeitar as datas Fifa. As reclamações da direção da Gávea durante a semana, se justificam, ainda mais pela entidade voltar atrás de acordo firmado em 2021.

Dito isso, há de se destacar, também, a série de problemas físicos no elenco principal do Flamengo. Para o jogo em Bragança Paulista, Renato não contou com Gustavo Henrique, Diego e David Luiz, além de Diego Alves, desfalque após apresentar quadro gripal. O técnico e o clube negam que a preparação física esteja com problemas e fala em desgaste pelos jogos. É verdade, mas, quando ficou 14 dias sem atuar em setembro, a equipe ainda teve ausências.

Diante disso, é normal que uma equipe sem sete titulares caia de rendimento – como aconteceu com o Flamengo diante do Bragantino, por maior que seja a qualidade de Vitinho, Pedro e Thiago Maia. O time sentiu, mas, dentro de uma proposta mais conservadora, fez jogo duro diante do sexto lugar do Brasileiro.

As falhas individuais defensivas não são uma novidade na temporada. Os erros de Léo Pereira já se acumulavam na etapa final quando Artur venceu a marcação do camisa 4 para marcar o gol de empate. Matheuzinho – outro reserva – também caiu de rendimento na etapa final, errando na saída de bola.

Diante disso tudo, a opção do técnico em Renê como substituto de Filipe Luís, que volta lesão, para marcar os avanços de Artur e Ytalo, e não em Ramon – jovem pedido pela torcida, passa a ser um detalhe no resultado da partida. As substituições feitas também não surtiram efeito, mas Vitinho e Andreas Pereira – dois dos melhores do Flamengo no jogo – deixaram o campo desgastados.

Os problemas nas próximas duas rodadas do Brasileirão, contra o Fortaleza, no sábado no Ceará, e Juventude, na terça-feira no Rio de Janeiro, continuarão para Renato Gaúcho, que não contará com os convocados. Os demais serão avaliados jogo a jogo. Entre as partidas, mal há tempo para a recuperação dos atletas, e os ajustes precisam ser feitos na base da conversa e vídeo, sem o técnico perder de vista o líder Atlético-MG, as semifinais da Copa do Brasil – nas últimas semanas de outubro – e a decisão da Libertadores, em 27 de novembro.

– Não temos tempo nem para descansar, nem para dormir direto. Vivemos dentro de hotel e avião. Agora seria o prazo, com os jogos da seleção, teríamos tempo, mas o campeonato não parou. Tem equipes que jogam duas, uma vez por semana, e o Flamengo joga três. Depois temos que ver as pessoas falando que o Flamengo não se interessa pelo Brasileiro – afirmou Renato Gaúcho.