Neymar could face Flamengo after saying: “I’m Mengão” | OneFootball

Neymar could face Flamengo again in the next round of the Brazilian Championship Serie A. Santos’ No. 10 has made progress in his recovery from a right thigh injury and has a strong chance of playing on Thursday the 8th at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Vila Belmiro.

The possibility carries even more weight after the forward publicly stated that he supports the Rubro-Negro in Rio de Janeiro. Neymar will still be evaluated by Santos’ coaching staff, but Cuca indicated that the player is increasingly fit to return to action.

“Gabigol only came off because he was tired, there’s no problem. Neymar may already be fit. We’ll work in the days leading up to the game to assess his condition. But the chance of him playing is high, he’s training well and preparing well,” said Cuca.

The decision will be made in the coming days. Santos does not intend to rush the No. 10’s return and will assess his physical condition before confirming his presence against Flamengo, a club Neymar has already said he is fond of.

Neymar has already expressed affection for Flamengo

The most recent statement came during the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Dallas Cowboys, held at the Maracanã. When asked about his club in Rio, Neymar was direct: “In Rio, I’m Mengão,” he said.

The remark reinforced a connection the player had already shown on other occasions. Neymar even expressed a desire to play for Flamengo during his career, although he never completed a move to the club.

In June 2024, the forward was at the Maracanã to watch Flamengo’s win over Grêmio in the Brasileirão. He went to the stadium at Gabigol’s invitation and, after the match, once again spoke about his connection to the Rubro-Negro.

“I’ve always said that (that I want to play for Flamengo). Obviously, it’s my second favorite team, because my first is Santos,” the black-and-white-clad player said during a recent press conference, before continuing:

“With all due respect to the team that raised me and that I’ve supported since I was little, I have a very great affection for Flamengo. Obviously, it would be an enormous pleasure if one day I could play here,” said Neymar, who has also been seen wearing Gabigol’s red-and-black shirt.

No. 10 could face Gabigol again

While Neymar still depends on a fitness evaluation, Gabigol is confirmed for the match. The forward left the field in the 2-1 win over São Paulo on Friday, October 3, but did not show any issue that would put his participation at risk.

Gabigol’s form has also drawn attention. The forward has scored six goals and provided three assists in the last five matches, becoming one of Santos’ main attacking references in this stage of the championship.

Flamengo defends lead at the top

The clash at Vila Belmiro will carry major weight in the title race. Flamengo enters the 29th round with a three-point lead and will have to face an in-form Santos, while Palmeiras hosts Bahia that same Thursday.

After the match in Santos, Flamengo will next face Fluminense on October 11 in the Brasileirão. Four days later, they will take on Estudiantes in Argentina in the Copa Libertadores semifinal.

Before those matches, however, the possibility of Neymar being on the field adds a special element to the duel. The forward could represent Santos against the club he says is the team closest to his heart in Rio de Janeiro.

If he is cleared by the medical department and used by Cuca, Neymar will not only be one of the main attractions of the match. He will also be the central figure in a reunion that his own statements helped shape.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.