Tomás Rincón makes Santos return after two months as Cuca praises veteran | OneFootball

Tomás Rincón made his first Santos appearance in two months, coming on in the 0-0 draw at Cruzeiro. The match at Mineirão formed part of the eighth round on Sunday 22.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the Venezuelan was booked soon after entering, following two fouls. Head coach Cuca said he came on at a difficult point, with Oliva fatigued and asking to be replaced, the same for Gustavinho and João Schmidt.

Cuca added that Rincón likely felt a lack of rhythm after so long without playing, but described him as an experienced international who can help the team. The coach had previously revealed the player had asked for a chance.

Until this weekend Rincón had played only six minutes this season and was not being used by Vojvoda. His previous outing was a late cameo in the goalless draw with Red Bull Bragantino at Neo Química Arena in the Paulistão on 25 January.

In the state championship he featured in one of nine matches, was on the bench in four and left out of four, while in the league before Minas Gerais he was among the substitutes in three of seven and omitted from four. With a contract to the end of the year, Santos even considered terminating his deal, though he arrived in August 2023, became a dressing-room leader and a regular in the run-in, maintaining consistency into Série B. He has two goals in 78 appearances for the club, is 38, and is Venezuela’s most-capped player.

Source: Diario Do Peixe