The panorama clarifies for Guerrero and Flamengo
The panorama clarifies and improves. FIFA reduced Paolo Guerrero's suspension from one year to six months, so the forward will play in the 2018 World Cup with the Peruvian National Team. But what will happen now with Flamengo? In strictly sporting terms, the 'Predator' is still a player of 'Mengao' and could play in the 2018 Copa Libertadores.
The draw will take place on Wednesday and the match-ups and groups of the tournament will be known. Although we still have to wait to know the details of the fixture, what is confirmed is that the group stage will start on February 28th and will last until May 23rd. Considering that Paolo Guerrero will be eligible from May 4th, he could play at least the last matchdays with 'Fla'. And, of course, in the case of Flamengo's qualification, the round of 16.
But, can he be registered?
Yes. Flamengo can register Guerrero for the group stage despite being currently suspended. CONMEBOL does not prohibit it because it is the club's responsibility, although they would be "burning" a spot on the list at the moment. But as already mentioned, at least the last matches of the group stage could coincide with Guerrero's eligibility.
He could even play from the first matchday
That's right. Another reason for Flamengo to decide to register Paolo from the group stage is that, as the defense of the Peruvian forward has already pointed out, they will resort to the TAS to seek the player's absolute absolution. While that scenario would be ideal, a more realistic option would be to reduce the sanction to three months. With this, Paolo Guerrero would be ready to play from February 4th and, logically, he would start the Copa Libertadores from the first matchday of the group stage.