Neymar back as Santos finish preparation for Macará Sudamericana opener | OneFootball

Santos completed their final session on Wednesday ahead of the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 first leg against Macará, which kicks off at 19:00 Brasília time on Thursday at Vila Belmiro. Neymar returns from suspension and should start.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Cuca led a tactical session, using the only workout before the game to test shapes against the under-20s. Willian Arão and Luan Peres were tried in defence, Rollheiser started in one look, leaving Gabriel Bontempo among the options.

The group also undertook physical work at CT Rei Pelé. The staff weighed changes because of the run of fixtures, though the tendency is for Cuca to field a strong side at home to build an advantage before travelling to Ecuador.

Neymar is the main addition after serving a ban for a third yellow card in the Brasileirão defeat to Athletico-PR. Lucas Veríssimo, recovering from a left calf issue, and Igor Vinícius, treating a back problem, remain out.

A probable Santos side: Gabriel Brazão, Gabriel Menino, Adonis Frías or Willian Arão, João Ananias or Luan Peres, Escobar, João Schmidt, Christian Oliva, Rollheiser or Gabriel Bontempo, Barreal, Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa.

The tie concludes on 20 August in Ecuador. Between legs, Santos visit Vasco at São Januário on Sunday at 16:00. With the team in the relegation zone and finances tight, the club see the cups as a way to progress and bring in revenue, and will balance that with the need to earn points.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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