RIO DE JANEIRO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Flamengo full back Emerson Royal is set to be available for the club's home Brazilian Serie A clash with Vasco da Gama on Sunday despite suffering from a fractured nose.

The 27-year-old former Tottenham, Barcelona and AC Milan defender sustained the injury in Flamengo's 1-1 draw at Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores group stage on Wednesday.

Flamengo published a video on social media on Friday showing Royal being fitted with a protective mask for his face.

Emerson, capped 10 times for Brazil, has made 34 appearances across all competitions for Flamengo following his 2025 move from Milan.

News of Emerson's availability comes as Flamengo grapples with a series of injuries to key players. Among those sidelined are Giorgian de Arrascaeta (collarbone), Lucas Paqueta (hamstring) and Erick Pulgar (shoulder). ■