Gabigol returns to Flamengo's team after dismissal by the board

Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, is among those listed for this Tuesday's match (26), against Fortaleza, away from home, after being left out for two matches, against Atlético Mineiro and Cuiabá, for the Brazilian Championship.

The striker had been removed by the Rubro-Negra board after the Copa do Brasil final against Atlético Mineiro on November 11th. On that occasion, the athlete was substituted at half-time, showed irritation on the bench and after the match made statements attacking the board and declaring that he would not stay at the club after the end of his contract in December.

Gabi should start at the bank

Just training at Ninho do Urubu, Gabigol should start the match against Fortaleza on the bench. Out of the list of those listed since November 11th, that is, just training for 15 days, coach Filipe Luis should leave him as an option during the match.

Possible farewell

With three rounds left until the end of the Brazilian Championship, these could be Gabriel Barbosa's last matches for Flamengo. With his contract ending in December and negotiations for renewal surrounded by controversy, the athlete declared after the Copa do Brasil final that he would not stay at the Rio club, without identifying his destination.

Even with Gabigol declaring that he will not stay at the club in 2025, fans still hope that the Rubro-Negro idol will rethink his decision to leave the club. These three matches that Flamengo have left to finish the Brazilian Championship will possibly mark Gabriel Barbosa's farewell.

_{Gabigol is among those listed for the match against Fortaleza (Photo: reproduction/Gilvan de Souza/X/@Flamengo)}

Turbulent year

The year 2024 was marked by injuries and a suspension on suspicion of attempted fraud in an anti-doping test. The athlete is still awaiting a final decision on the case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in Switzerland.

With the former coach, Tite, Gabigol didn't have many chances and was little used. After the final of the Copa do Brasil, the striker made statements stating that he was wronged by the technical committee of the former coach of the club and the Brazilian team.

Other returns

Flamengo will have other important returns for the duel against Fortaleza and the final sequence of the Brazilian Championship. Nico De la Cruz, who had a thigh injury for over a month and left him out of the Copa do Brasil finals, returns and traveled with the squad to Ceará.

Gérson and Léo Ortiz, who did not play against Cuiabá, as they were with the Brazilian team on the FIFA date, return to the starting lineup, as do Varela and Gonzalo Plata, who were with their teams, Uruguay and Ecuador, respectively.

David Luiz, who had the flu and Carlinhos returning from injury, will also be available to coach Filipe Luis. Flamengo will not be able to count on Fabrício Bruno and Evertton Araújo, who are suspended, in this match.

Fortaleza and Flamengo face each other at Arena Castelão, in the capital of Ceará, this Tuesday (26) in the 35th round of the Brazilian Championship, at 8 pm Brasília time. For Flamengo, the victory will leave the club in third place, surpassing the opponent and Internacional.

As for the club from Ceará, a victory would keep them alive in the fight for the Brasileirão title, keeping them three points behind leaders Palmeiras and Botafogo, who also face each other this Tuesday (26) in São Paulo.

Featured Photo: Gabigol should start the match against Fortaleza (Reproduction/ MB Media//Getty Images Embed)