Will Neymar face São Paulo? Star returns to crisis-hit Santos | OneFootball

The big question not only for Santos fans, but also for São Paulo supporters ahead of this new classic between the teams, this Wednesday (4th) at Vila Belmiro, now for the Brasileirão, is whether Neymar will finally return to play or not.

The great Santos star returned to ball work with the rest of the squad at CT Rei Pelé this Monday (2nd), still in the process of physical transition after surgery on his left knee at the end of 2025.

And in the rival’s training session this Tuesday (3rd), Neymar once again trained with the ball alongside his teammates. However, the Santos press is treating him as out of the San-São classic, still not in ideal physical condition to play.

Hoping to have the star’s company in the attack for the coastal team is Rony, now officially presented at the club, who spoke about Neymar’s importance to the squad.

“If the coach chooses to play with Neymar tomorrow (Wednesday), what an honor. What a sensational guy. Just being next to him gives you joy to play and makes you think of things alongside him that you wouldn’t usually consider. The way he carries the ball and finds a pass,” Rony dreamed.

And veteran striker Tiquinho Soares is once again available to coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, recovered from a swelling in his left calf that kept him out at the start of the season. He trained normally and should be available for the classic at Vila.

Now, the crisis is only there!

In a major crisis for some time now, made even worse after the 2-0 defeat to São Paulo in the Paulistão, Santos woke up this Tuesday to protest banners at Vila Belmiro and also at CT Rei Pelé.

The main criticism from Santos fans was directed at president Marcelo Teixeira and football executive Alexandre Mattos. The banners were put up by fans during the night, but the club quickly removed them in the morning.

Even the Santos fans who occupy the numbered seats at Vila were targeted. They were urged to support the squad more and boo less during Santos’ home games.

The Santos team is currently in 14th place in the Paulistão, just one spot above the relegation zone, with only 6 points so far, and is living under the threat of relegation in the state championship. In the Brasileirão, where they face São Paulo in the second round, they debuted with a heavy 4-2 defeat to Chapecoense away from home.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.