Santos train in Ecuador ahead of Copa Sul-Americana opener; likely XI

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Gazeta Esportiva.com

·8 April 2026

Santos train in Ecuador ahead of Copa Sul-Americana opener; likely XI

Santos wrapped up preparations this Tuesday for their Copa Sudamericana debut. Head coach Cuca led the final training session before the clash against Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador, at Estádio Municipal Jorge Andrade Cantos in the city of Azogues, near Cuenca.

During preparations for the match, Cuca received a boost. Right back Igor Vinícius and forward Rony, who missed the game against Flamengo, rejoined the squad and are in Ecuador. Igor recovered from a thigh edema, while the forward was suspended for the match against the Rubro-Negro.

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On the other hand, Peixe still has a list of absentees, including Gabigol and Neymar. The former underwent his final PRP session to complete treatment for his injury, while Neymar remained in Santos for specific fitness work.

Probable Santos lineup

Gabriel Brazão; Igor Vinícius, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres and Escobar; Oliva, Gustavo Henrique and Gabriel Bontempo; Rony, Thaciano and Barreal.

Absentees: Vinícius Lira (left knee injury), Mayke (rested due to corticosteroid use), Gabriel Menino (right hamstring injury) and Miguelito (bilateral muscle fatigue in the back of the thighs).

Santos match details

Santos and Deportivo Cuenca face each other this Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. (Brasília time), in the opening round of Group D. Kickoff is at Estádio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar in Cuenca, at around 2,500 meters above sea level.

Lautaro Díaz calls for special attention to the altitude

Experienced with Ecuador’s altitude after having played in the country’s national league for two years, Lautaro Díaz highlighted the special care the team must take with this condition. The player celebrated the opportunity to compete in a continental tournament with Santos.

“Altitude is a factor we’ll have to get used to quickly. I played for two years in Ecuador and the altitude factor is sometimes difficult, so we’ll have to be smart during the match,” he said.

“It’s a huge opportunity. We’re going to represent Santos outside Brazil and play in an international competition again after a few years. We hope to have a good game tomorrow and we’ll leave everything on the pitch,” he concluded.

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