Coutinho impresses for Santos, could make squad for São Paulo derby at Morumbis | OneFootball

Santos are expected to have Philippe Coutinho available on Friday for the São Paulo derby at Morumbis, kick-off 20:00 Brasília time, in the 21st round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Globo.com, the midfielder has trained well at CT Rei Pelé and completed a pitch workload deemed sufficient by the coaching staff to be named in the squad, with his fitness and technical quality impressing behind the scenes.

Though renowned for his technique, there were concerns within the hierarchy and staff about his conditioning after more than seven months without a game, worries that have now eased internally.

The initial plan was to wait until he had finished the full FIFA window training block at the training ground, but given positive assessments and a high on-pitch load, that timetable is likely to be shortened.

He is not expected to start against São Paulo. Even with Gabriel Bontempo on Brazil duty, Cuca has other midfielders to complete the midfield three. If selected, Coutinho could get a few minutes.

After the derby, Santos have 10 further matches in which to use him before his deal ends. The stint is viewed as a trial for both parties over his future. Wearing number 11, he had not planned to play again and will now gauge whether to fully resume his career.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”