Neymar a doubt for Flamengo as Santos ‘eye’ Coutinho debut | OneFootball

Santos have mapped out plans to have Neymar and Philippe Coutinho available against Flamengo on eight October at Vila Belmiro in the 29th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. ESPN reports that only an optimistic scenario would see Neymar feature, while Coutinho is the likelier debutant.

The forward remains in treatment with no firm return date, with internal estimates pointing to roughly a month out. There is also a more positive projection in which he could soon begin physical transition work.

Neymar injured his right thigh, a grade 2B rectus femoris issue, in the 0-0 draw with Palmeiras on two September in the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals. Santos, beaten 3-0 in the first leg, were eliminated, and the club confirmed the diagnosis two days later without setting a timeline.

If recovery takes around a month, his comeback would likely fall late October, potentially against Bahia on 25 October or Palmeiras on 28 October, both at Vila Belmiro. The São Paulo match at MorumBIS on two October is a rescheduled round 21 fixture during the FIFA window. Neymar is ruled out, and midfielder Gabriel Bontempo will be with Brazil for friendlies against Australia and India.

Coutinho has not played since 14 February for Vasco against Volta Redonda. Santos signed him on 14 September on a deal to the end of 2026, with Neymar involved in talks initiated by NR Sports. He has been working individually at CT Rei Pelé.

He is set to join full training soon and will not face São Paulo on two October, making Flamengo the most probable debut date.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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