SAO PAULO (AP) – Brazilian club Flamengo has taken seven players away with coronavirus and won confirmation that the Copa Libertadores will be played on Tuesday against Ecuadorian Barcelona.
Flamengo has been in Ecuador since Thursday, when the protective champion lost 5-0 to Independiente del Valle.
The club said Sunday that six players had the virus, and a few more were added after the effects of the countertests released on Monday. Flamengo did not identify the inflamed players, but said on Twitter that they had no symptoms at his hotel.
One of the players who tested positive, Diego Ribas, refuted this claim, felt pain and a sore throat.
Diego, a midfielder who played for Atletico Madrid and Juventus, said in a video on his social media that he is one of the positive cases.
“I’m fine, as much as I can, ” said Diego. ” I know I’m exposed for leaving home to do my job. But it’s a very unpleasant time. “
Brazilian flamengo players leave the area at the break of their Copa Libertadores football match against Independiente del Valle de Ecuador in Quito, Ecuador, on Thursday, August 17, 2020 (José Jácome / Grupo via AP)
CONMEBOL has shown that the organizational adjustment will take place, with Flamengo allowed to fly in the substitutes included in a list before the tournament restart last week after a six-month break.
Brazilian media reported that Flamengo is preparing a last minute flight to have 4 players for the adjustment in Guayaquil, but the club did not verify the data to The Associated Press.
In addition to the seven players who tested positive, Flamengo also will not depend on the most sensible goal scorer Gabriel Barbosa, the Pedro Rocha winger and goalkeeper Diego Alves for injuries. Defenseman Gustavo Henrique is suspended after being expelled from the attack on Del Valle.
In accordance with CONMEBOL’s medical protocol, groups must submit their groups five days before each match and temperatures will be set prior to initiation.
Del Valle leads Group A after 3 matches with points, followed by the Brazilian national team with six, Colombia’s Junior de Barraquilla has 3 and Flamengo’s next opponent has no points.
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