The striker had not been used as a starter by Tite
Punished by the Anti-Doping Sports Tribunal, Gabigol will have to stay away from the pitch until April 2025. But how will this affect Flamengo’s football this season? OR Throw away! explains.
Since Tite’s arrival, the number 10 has not been able to start, because the coach prefers Pedro. In fact, Rubro-Negro’s top scorer in 2024 was called up by the commander for the 2022 World Cup to the detriment of the heroes of the last two Libertadores.
In the immediate term, Gabigol’s absence may not have much of an impact on the team in pursuit of its goals. It is worth mentioning that the striker did not take the field in either of the two semi-finals against Fluminense, where Flamengo clinched a place in the Carioca Championship.
In the current edition of the state championship, Tite’s team has taken the field 13 times, with the athlete taking part in only eight matches. And in this clip the player found the net twice, as well as wasting a penalty in the classic against Vasco.
However, this punishment suffered by the attacker could affect the achievement of the club’s goals in the near future. Going through a great phase, Pedro could be called up by the Brazilian team Dorival Júnior and could miss Tite’s team for around nine games during the Copa América.
Naturally, Gabigol would be one of the most popular players to fill the role of top scorer and achieve the long-awaited sequence of matches as a starter that he has failed to achieve in recent months. Another option would be to improvise Bruno Henrique as a reference for the attack.
And beyond the pitch and the ball, this suspension could mean another stance on the part of the club regarding the contract renewal of the attacker. The athlete has a contract with Flamengo until December 2024, while the sanction received expires only in April 2025.
If the punishment is not revoked with the player’s defense appealing, Gabigol’s future at Mais Querido will be compromised. As well as part of the season’s football planning.
Source: Terra
Emma is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 News Update. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
