Carrascal hadn’t played in the Brasileirão for nearly a month. His last appearance was memorable for all the wrong reasons: a tackle from behind, a straight red card, and a tense finish in Flamengo’s victory over Fluminense.
However, the match against Grêmio showcased the Carrascal Flamengo desperately needs, especially with key players unavailable. He scored the winning goal with a first-time finish after an assist from Royal.
With Arrascaeta and Paquetá sidelined, Carrascal is the midfielder tasked with providing creativity for Leonardo Jardim’s side, while Jorginho organizes the play from deeper positions.
Carrascal had been absent from the Brasileirão because the STJD handed him a two-match suspension for the tackle against Fluminense. Due to the circumstances of the disciplinary process, that ban was combined with two more games he missed after being sent off in the Supercopa against Corinthians. He has now served all four matches (three in the Brasileirão and one in the Copa do Brasil).
During Arrascaeta’s absence, Carrascal’s return to form could have come in Colombia, his home country, during the Libertadores. But the chaos in Medellín caused the match to be suspended early on. In the previous round, when Arrascaeta fractured his collarbone against Estudiantes, Carrascal was already called upon to play as the number 10, delivering a quiet performance.
Carrascal had been used mostly as a winger this season, which changes his role in this Flamengo side that seeks intensity. As an attacking midfielder or second striker, he needs to combine well with Pedro and be more involved in finishing moves.
In the Copa do Brasil match against Vitória, Carrascal is expected to start again. Flamengo has little margin for error, as they only have a one-goal advantage from the first leg.
In the Brasileirão, where Flamengo is chasing Palmeiras, Carrascal will be crucial in a midfield that will be severely depleted in the next round against Athletico. Jorginho and Evertton Araújo are suspended, and De La Cruz cannot play on artificial turf.