Santos expected to rotate for Macará in Copa Sudamericana last-16 first leg | OneFootball

According to Diario Do Peixe, Santos are expected to rest part of their starting XI and field a mixed side against Macará in the Copa Sudamericana last-16 first leg. The approach reflects squad fatigue and a delicate league position.

Santos lost 2-0 to Athletico-PR, slipping into the relegation zone. They sit 17th on 22 points, the same as Vasco, whom they visit on Sunday at São Januário.

With that in mind, Cuca is weighing up controlling the minutes of certain players with the Vasco clash also in view.

On Tuesday the squad worked on physical and technical drills at CT Rei Pelé. Tactical work, expected to indicate the chosen line-up to face the Ecuadorians, is scheduled for Wednesday.

The staff are also monitoring those in the treatment room. Lucas Veríssimo has begun his return to the pitch, still without the ball, and is expected to remain out. Igor Vinícius, recovering from lower back pain, has also returned to the grass but has not yet joined ball work.

Moisés, Vinícius Lira, Gustavo Henrique and Pepê Fermino remain in recovery from physical issues. The first leg is on Thursday at Vila Belmiro at 19:00 Brasília time, with the return set for 20 August in Ecuador.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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