Flamengo accuses Uruguay and coach Bielsa of mishandling Arrascaeta's injury

Midfielder Giorgian Arrascaeta, a key Flamengo player, suffered a new calf injury while training with the Uruguay national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Flamengo released its physiotherapist Lanyan Neves to accompany the player but criticized the Uruguayan federation for ignoring the club‑provided recovery protocol. President Luiz Eduardo Baptista (the Bap) said the team and coach Marcelo Bielsa forced Arrascaeta back before the agreed 15‑day rest after his clavicle surgery, violating the plan and causing the injury. Bielsa responded, stating the recovery was carried out in consensus with Flamengo’s medical staff and that the federation assumes responsibility. The injury rules Arrascaeta out of Uruguay’s opening match against Saudi Arabia, with the club hoping he could return for the third group‑stage game versus Spain. Flamengo warned the incident could affect its upcoming season.