Cuca prepares Santos with changes, Neymar expected to miss São Paulo derby | OneFootball

Cuca is preparing Santos for Friday’s delayed 21st-round Campeonato Brasileiro derby against São Paulo at Morumbis at 20:00, with Neymar expected to miss out.

According to Globo.com, the forward is in physical transition and training with the ball, but remains likely to be absent. He completed a month out on Wednesday with a right thigh injury, four weeks being the minimum recovery window. He is expected to return next Thursday 8 against Flamengo at Vila Belmiro.

Willian Arão has recovered from abdominal pain and is training without restriction, and should start with Luan Peres suspended.

Gabriel Bontempo is away with Brazil. Everton Cebolinha returns after suspension against Remo, and midfielder Arthur is expected to start.

Santos sit eighth on 38 points, with São Paulo 11th on 36. Avoiding defeat is key in the push for a 2027 Conmebol Libertadores berth.

Possible XI: Diógenes or João Pedro, Rodinei, Willian Arão, Lucas Veríssimo, Escobar, Oliva, Gustavo Henrique, Arthur, Rollheiser or Barreal, Everton Cebolinha or Rony, Gabigol.

Source: Globo.com

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