Vojvoda cautious on Neymar, non-committal over São Paulo return | OneFootball

Juan Pablo Vojvoda struck a cautious note on Neymar’s involvement for Saturday’s clássico against São Paulo at Morumbis in the Paulista, after Santos opened the Brasileiro with a defeat that extended their winless run to five.

According to Diario Do Peixe, asked directly after his press conference whether the No 10 would feature, the Argentine said they would wait a little longer.

Inside the club, the expectation remains for a return on 4 February, again against São Paulo, but in the Brasileiro. His resumption of ball work on the CT Rei Pelé pitches this week has raised hopes of an earlier comeback, although there is no official confirmation.

Neymar is recovering from an arthroscopy on his left knee carried out on 22 December. The coaching and medical staff are proceeding carefully to ensure he returns fully fit and without risk of relapse.

Planning also considers the international calendar. At the club the expectation is that he will be flying physically for the final FIFA window before the World Cup, scheduled for March, when Carlo Ancelotti is expected to finalise his list.

This year Neymar renewed his Santos contract until the end of December. His 2025 return featured highs and lows, with three muscle injuries sidelining him for months. He played 30 games, scoring 12 goals and supplying six assists.

Source: Diario Do Peixe