# Recap of Alan Franco's Latest Injury Update at Flamengo
Flamengo striker Alan Franco has been in the headlines lately due to his ongoing struggles with injuries. The Portuguese international, who joined the Brazilian giants in 2019, has not played for the club since December last year due to a knee injury.
### Initial Injuries and Recovery
Franco initially suffered a ligament tear in his right knee during a friendly match against Corinthians in October 2021. After undergoing surgery, he spent several months recovering under the guidance of medical staff. During this period, he was closely monitored and gradually reintroduced to training.
### Recent Progress and Challenges
Despite showing signs of improvement, Franco has faced setbacks in recent weeks. He returned to training in January but encountered issues with muscle stiffness and swelling. This led to a temporary suspension from the team’s pre-season camp.
### Current Situation
As of the latest updates, Franco is reportedly close to returning to full training. However, there are still concerns about his fitness level and readiness to play at the highest level. The club is working closely with medical professionals to ensure that Franco is fit enough to face upcoming matches.
### Impact on Flamengo's Strategy
The absence of Franco has had a significant impact on Flamengo's attacking options. With the loss of their top scorer, the club may need to adjust their tactics and rely more heavily on other players like Joao Victor, Bruno Henrique, and Gabriel Pereira.
### Next Steps
Flamengo plans to continue monitoring Franco’s progress and will likely make a decision on his return to the starting lineup soon. The club’s management remains optimistic about the player’s recovery and hopes that he can contribute positively to the team’s performance.
### Conclusion
Alan Franco’s journey back to form after a long layoff is a testament to the resilience and determination of footballers. As he continues to recover, Flamengo fans remain hopeful that they will see him back in action soon, contributing to their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.