RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 20 -- Flamengo received a boost ahead of their 2018 Copa Libertadores debut next week with news that goalkeeper Diego Alves has returned to full fitness.
The former Valencia and Brazil national team keeper has been named in Flamengo's squad for their Carioca championship match against Madureira on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old, who has not played since fracturing his collarbone in November, resumed full training with the Brazilian club two weeks ago.
Flamengo will host Argentina's River Plate in their opening Copa Libertadores group match in Rio de Janeiro next Tuesday.
The Copa Libertadores features the best teams from the 10 member nations of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).