The Brazilian club Flamengo has confirmed that Marcelo, one of its key players, will be out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.
The defender sustained the injury during training on Tuesday and underwent surgery to repair his ligaments. The club says it is expecting him back in two months time but there is no guarantee that he will play again this year.
Marcelo, who joined Flamengo from Real Madrid in 2018, has been a regular starter for the team and was a key player in their successful campaign last season. He scored four goals and provided three assists in all competitions as Flamengo won the Campeonato Brasileiro title.
However, Marcelo's absence could have significant implications for the team's chances of success this season. With the likes of Luan and Bruno Guimaraes also unavailable due to injuries, Flamengo will need to find new ways to cope without their star performers.
Despite the setback, Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus said that he remains confident in the team's ability to perform well without Marcelo. "We will try to adapt to the situation and continue to work hard," he said.
But even if Marcelo does return to fitness, his absence will still leave a gap in the team's defense. The club will now need to find a replacement for his skills and experience, which will be tough given the limited options available.
Overall, the news of Marcelo's injury is undoubtedly disappointing for Flamengo fans, but the team will need to use this opportunity to regroup and prepare for the challenges ahead.
