Pedro is making strides in his recovery at Ninho do Urubu after suffering a serious knee injury in late 2024. The Flamengo forward, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a training session with the Brazilian national team, is now focused on regaining his fitness and returning to the pitch. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, former player and current commentator Grafite shared insights on Pedro's situation, emphasizing the importance of patience in his recovery process.
Grafite, who has had a notable career with clubs like São Paulo and Santa Cruz, highlighted that the road to recovery from such a significant injury is often long and challenging. "He will have to be patient with himself, because he won't be able to return to the same level in the short term. This type of injury generally takes a year or more to recover fully," Grafite stated during a segment on SporTV.
As Pedro continues his rehabilitation, he has rejoined training with the Flamengo squad as of March 31, 2025. The coaching staff is optimistic about his potential return, with two key matches on the horizon: a Copa Libertadores clash against Central Córdoba on April 9, 2025, and a Campeonato Brasileiro match against Juventude on April 16, 2025. However, the final decision on his return will depend on his physical response during the ongoing readjustment period.
Despite the changes within the team, including a new coaching style under Filipe Luís, Grafite believes that Pedro will not face significant tactical challenges. "He knows the teammates he played with before. Sure, Flamengo plays differently now, especially since they don't have that reference point. But with Pedro, Filipe is aware that a more adjusted game will be necessary for him," Grafite explained.
Moreover, Grafite expressed confidence in the quality of the Flamengo roster, suggesting that Pedro's return to scoring could be facilitated by the talent surrounding him. "I don't think it will be a problem, given the characteristics of the players and the teammates he has. The ball will be coming to him often, and Pedro will score, you see?" he asserted.
While Pedro focuses on his recovery, Flamengo is gearing up for their upcoming match against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 21h30 (Brasilia time). The team, currently without their star forward, is searching for alternatives to maintain their offensive competitiveness.
This match marks the beginning of the Copa Libertadores for Flamengo, and the stakes are high as they aim to kick off their campaign with a strong performance. The absence of Pedro is a significant factor, as his scoring ability and experience would provide a considerable boost to the team's attacking options. Nevertheless, Flamengo's coaching staff, including Filipe Luís, is working diligently to devise strategies that can compensate for the loss of their key player.
As the match against Deportivo Táchira approaches, the anticipation among fans is palpable. Supporters are eager to see how the team will adapt without Pedro and whether they can secure a victory to start their Libertadores journey on the right foot. With the tournament being a vital component of Flamengo's season, every point will count as they aim for success on the continental stage.
In conclusion, Pedro's recovery is a focal point for Flamengo as they navigate the early stages of the season. His commitment to returning to form is commendable, and with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, there is hope that he will soon be back on the pitch, contributing to the team's quest for glory. Until then, Flamengo remains focused on their upcoming challenges, determined to make an impact in the Copa Libertadores.
