Flamengo hope to shore up defence ahead of Copa Libertadores opener | OneFootball

Flamengo manager Rogério Ceni is facing a defensive headache ahead of their Copa Libertadores clash with Vélez Sarsfield on Tuesday.

The Rubro-Negro were held by Portuguesa RJ in the Campeonato Carioca on Saturday, which came on the back of a 3-1 midweek defeat to Vasco da Gama in the same competition.

In addition to leaking goals, first-choice centre-back Rodrigo Caio will be suspended for the trip to Buenos Aires.

That leaves Ceni with a big decision to make in relation to who will partner Willian Arão at the heart of this defence.

“During the season it is impossible for you to define (the duo of defenders) because there are many games, but we are studying,” the Flamengo boss said, per Gazeta Esportiva.

“Today had Gustavo [Henrique], Bruno Viana played last game. Rodrigo is unfortunately out (with injury), regardless of what happened, he couldn’t play Tuesday.

“So we did the experiment with one in each game to make the decision on Monday and get a sense of what we are going to put on the pitch.”

Tuesday’s game in Argentina will mark the beginning of the Mengão’s Libertadores campaign.

Ecuador’s LDU Quito and Unión La Calera of Chile make up the rest of Group G.