Santos work on back three as Cuca prepares changes for Atlético-MG Sudamericana quarter-final | OneFootball

Santos completed preparations on Tuesday for the Copa Sudamericana quarter-final second leg against Atlético-MG, with Cuca working on a switch to three centre-backs for Wednesday’s 19:00 kick-off at Arena MRV.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the change is tied to Lucas Veríssimo’s return. The defender has recovered from a right ankle sprain and rejoined full training on Monday, and is expected to start alongside Willian Arão and Luan Peres.

The setup would mirror the 1-0 league win over Cruzeiro on Saturday. The main tweak would be Veríssimo replacing Igor Vinícius.

Out of possession, Rodinei and Escobar are expected to drop back to form a five. Escobar covers the left because Everton Cebolinha is not registered for this stage.

The likely Santos XI is Gabriel Brazão, Lucas Veríssimo, Willian Arão, Luan Peres, Rodinei, Gustavo Henrique, Christian Oliva, Gabriel Bontempo, Rollheiser, Escobar and Gabriel Barbosa.

Neymar and Barreal remain out injured. Neymar sustained a rectus femoris muscle injury in his right thigh earlier this month, while Barreal is also sidelined with a physical problem.

Recent signings Philippe Coutinho and Everton Cebolinha have not been registered for the quarter-finals, so they cannot be selected.

Santos won the first leg 2-0 at Vila Belmiro. They can lose by up to one goal and still advance, while defeat by two would take the tie to penalties. The winners reach the semi-finals.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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