And Lucas Moura? São Paulo set for home-grown boosts v Santos | OneFootball

São Paulo returns to action this Friday, the 2nd, to face Santos at Morumbis, in a postponed match from the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. Head coach Dorival Jr. wrapped up the squad’s preparations on Thursday morning at the Tricolor Paulista training center, but he has yet to decide on the lineup for the derby.

The coach is expected to make the decision during the team’s training camp. Dorival Jr. still wants to speak with his staff and analyze Santos’ likely lineup, which could feature Philippe Coutinho’s debut. However, the trend is that the coach will have two important returns.

The 12 days without matches were important for the recovery of players who had been sidelined by the medical department. Defensive midfielder Newton has recovered from a thigh injury and should start. Signed from Botafogo, the player is expected to be used in defense, replacing Domingos Duarte.

The Portuguese player suffered a serious injury to his right knee and will not play again in 2026. Another player who should return is Paraguayan Bobadilla. He would have been with the national team during the FIFA international break, but asked to be released so he could undergo treatment at the club’s training center. Bobadilla had been complaining of knee pain, but has now been cleared by the medical department.

São Paulo should have Bobadilla back

The Paraguayan is also expected to start the match. Forward Lucas Moura, meanwhile, remains out. As reported by RTI Esporte Agency, the club idol is expected to return in the next round of the Brazilian Championship, when São Paulo will face Cruzeiro at Mineirão on October 7.

Tricolor Paulista needs a win to breathe a little easier in the Brazilian Championship standings. With 36 points, Dorival Jr.’s team sits 11th in the Brasileirão. The club is currently 7 points above the relegation zone and 10 points behind the G5, which would give the club a spot in the second stage of the Copa Libertadores, before the group stage.

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