Santos start preparations for Corinthians derby, Neymar to start | OneFootball

Santos have begun preparations for Sunday’s derby at Corinthians, with Neymar to start in the Brasileirão. Kick-off is 16:00 Brasília time at Neo Química Arena in the 25th round.

According to Globo.com, the forward’s absence from the defeat at Palmeiras, played on Nubank Parque’s synthetic surface, caused debate after a 3-0 loss. Gabigol also began on the bench and made little impact in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg. Both should return to the XI.

Santos view the league as the immediate priority. They are 14th on 26 points, only two clear of the relegation places, so points home and away are vital.

On Thursday, Cuca led a physical session for those who did not play at Palmeiras, while the starters stayed inside CT Rei Pelé for recovery work. The squad still have Friday and Saturday to prepare for the derby.

Centre-back Lucas Veríssimo, who came off with muscle pain, remains a doubt pending recovery and test results. If fit he will start, otherwise Willian Arão is expected to drop into defence.

A probable Santos XI is Gabriel Brazão in goal, a back four of Igor Vinicius, Lucas Veríssimo or Willian Arão, Luan Peres and Escobar, midfielders Willian Arão or João Schmidt, Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Bontempo and Barreal, with Neymar and Gabigol up front.

Source: Globo.com

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