Renato Gaúcho says Flamengo 'risked' Éverton Ribeiro in Grêmio defeat | OneFootball

Flamengo manager Renato Gaúcho revealed that Éverton Ribeiro played through the pain barrier in Sunday’s reverse to Grêmio.

The attacker lasted 65 minutes at the Maracanã before being replaced by Bruno Henrique as the Rubro-Negro suffered a possibly devastating blow to their Brasileirão title hopes.

“Éverton wasn’t even supposed to play, because he had a problem with his leg,” Gaúcho said after the game, per Gazeta Esportiva.

“He had said that he could play 45 minutes and at most 15, 20 minutes. It was a risk we were taking. Every three days Flamengo plays a decision. We want to win. He wasn’t bad in the game, but I have a decisive game on Wednesday.”

With their league hopes dwindling, even more importance will now be placed on the midweek Copa Libertadores semi-final first leg against Barcelona SC.

That game could see recent arrival David Luiz make his debut for the Mengão, while veteran playmaker Diego is also expected to be available again after injury.