Coutinho expected on Santos bench for São Paulo clássico | OneFootball

Philippe Coutinho is closing in on his Santos debut, with the midfielder expected to be named among the substitutes for Friday’s clássico at São Paulo.

According to Diario Do Peixe, an upturn in his work at CT Rei Pelé has put him in contention for the Campeonato Brasileiro match at Morumbis on Friday, 2 October at 20:00.

Coutinho has been training with Santos for two weeks as he rebuilds match rhythm after more than seven months without an official game. His last appearance was on 14 February for Vasco against Volta Redonda, and he has followed an individual programme since arriving.

The initial plan was to keep him back for Flamengo on 8 October, but his recent sessions have led the staff to consider bringing him into the squad earlier.

Coach Cuca has other midfield options and could use the new signing during the game if circumstances allow.

His debut might also come with Gabriel Bontempo away with the Brazil national team. Everton Cebolinha returns from suspension, while Neymar remains sidelined with a muscle injury.

Coutinho has signed until the end of the season after leaving Vasco and is yet to feature. Santos are eighth in the Brasileirão on 38 points and face São Paulo in a round 21 fixture that had been postponed.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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