Coutinho included by Santos for São Paulo derby, debut brought forward | OneFootball

Santos will have Philippe Coutinho available on Friday against São Paulo at Morumbis in the 21st round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at 20:00 Brasília time. His debut has been brought forward after a strong week in training.

According to Globo.com, Coutinho impressed in the sessions, pairing improved fitness with his technical quality. The initial plan had been to use him only after the FIFA international break, but he may get a few minutes against the rivals.

All recent signings are available. Midfielder Arthur, right back Rodinei and forward Everton Cebolinha are expected to start, while Lima and Coutinho are set to begin on the bench.

Willian Arão returns to take the suspended Luan Peres’s place in defence. He has recovered from abdominal pain and trained with the group this week.

Neymar is due back only on eight October against Flamengo, when he is expected to be named for a few minutes. For now he remains in recovery and a physical transition to ball work on the grass.

A probable Santos line-up is Diógenes or João Pedro in goal, Rodinei, Willian Arão, Lucas Veríssimo and Escobar in defence, Oliva, Gustavo Henrique, Arthur and Rollheiser or Barreal in midfield, with Everton Cebolinha and Gabigol up front.

Source: Globo.com

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