Flamengo to Face Táchira Without Wesley, Plata or Gerson

Flamengo will open their 2025 Copa Libertadores campaign on Thursday against Deportivo Táchira without several key players. Right-back Wesley, winger Gonzalo Plata, and midfielder Gerson were all ruled out of the squad due to physical issues following the recent international break.

Wesley, who featured in both of Brazil’s matches, is experiencing fatigue and muscle soreness. Plata, who played the full 90 minutes for Ecuador against Chile, returned with general fatigue and symptoms of pharyngitis, including a fever, reports ge. The club’s medical staff opted to keep both players out of the trip to Venezuela.

Gerson, meanwhile, is still recovering from a left thigh injury sustained while on duty with Brazil. He has been training separately and is not yet cleared for match action.

Danilo and Arrascaeta, both recovering from right thigh injuries, are expected to be available for Flamengo’s second Libertadores match on April 9 against Central Córdoba at the Maracanã. Striker Pedro is also a possibility for that game.

Travel logistics also factored into squad decisions. Flamengo will fly over six hours to Santo Domingo before continuing by bus to San Cristóbal.