Paolo Guerrero declines taking a break to gain rhythm with Flamengo | OneFootball

After a 6-month suspension, Paolo Guerrero is only thinking of getting back in game-rhythm for the World Cup and therefore has decided to stay at Flamengo instead of resting before joining Peru’s national team.

Flamengo’s boss, Maurício Barbieri, will make significant changes in his starting lineup against Chapecoense on Sunday, as he’s prioritizing the Copa Libertadores’ clash against Emelec. However, there is one footballer that doesn’t want to be spared: Guerrero.

The Peruvian striker is anxious to be back in Flamengo’s starting eleven and is even considering declining a break that he’s allowed to have, in order to continue playing at the Brazilian club a week longer – as permitted by FIFA.

Guerrero is expected to be required to join the Peruvian national team that will be appearing in Russia 2018, on May 21. FIFA demands that footballers that are to play in the World Cup are given a week rest by their clubs before heading to their national sides. Which means Paolo could stop training with the Rio de Janeiro side next Monday, May 14.

But due to his long inactive period, Guerrero has opted to stay with Flamengo to train and to play against one of the team’s most fierce rivals, Vasco da Gama, on Sunday May 19.

The striker hasn’t played a full 90 minutes in a competitive match since October of last year.