And the rival? Neymar-less, injury-hit Santos hope for Coutinho | OneFootball

São Paulo host Santos this Friday (2) at Morumbi, with some confirmed absences, such as the suspended Calleri. But their rivals from the coast will also have several players missing for the rescheduled Brasileirão derby.

The main absence for the opposition is expected to be forward Neymar. In the process of regaining match fitness, the No. 10 is already doing ball work at CT Rei Pelé, but the expectation is that he will be rested. He has completed four weeks out due to a right thigh injury — the minimum period set by the medical staff for the initial stage of rehabilitation.

On the other hand, midfielder Philippe Coutinho could be the big surprise in the squad list for the San-São derby. Recovered and showing strong physical and technical form in training, the player has impressed the coaching staff behind the scenes and is in contention to be included among those called up for the clash in the capital.

Many changes for Cuca

In defense, Cuca will not be able to count on center-back Luan Peres, who is suspended after picking up his third yellow card. On the other hand, defensive midfielder Willian Arão has fully recovered from abdominal pain, is training without restrictions with the squad, and is the leading candidate to take a starting spot in the defensive setup.

Another new development in attack is the return of winger Everton Cebolinha, who served an automatic suspension in the match against Remo and is available again. Midfielder Álvaro Barreal also took part in the latest training sessions and should be an option on the bench, while midfielder Arthur is increasingly likely to start among the first eleven.

Long list of absences

Besides Luan Peres and Neymar, Santos have several other confirmed absences. Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão is still recovering after surgery on his left shoulder, while full-back Vinicius Lira is following a post-op rehabilitation protocol for his knee.

On the international front, Cuca has also lost forward Gabriel Bontempo, who is away with the senior Brazil national team during the FIFA international window, and youngster João Ananias, who has joined Brazil’s under-20 squad for international friendlies in Spain.

A probable Santos lineup is: Diógenes (João Pedro); Rodinei, Willian Arão, Lucas Veríssimo and Escobar; Oliva, Gustavo Henrique, Arthur and Rollheiser (Barreal); Everton Cebolinha (Rony) and Gabigol.

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