Cuca confirms Neymar to return for Santos against Chapecoense | OneFootball

Neymar will return for Santos against Chapecoense in the 20th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. According to Globo.com, head coach Cuca confirmed the forward’s involvement for Saturday at Vila Belmiro.

Neymar sat out Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana play-off against Universidad Central in Venezuela, with Cuca explaining the decision as part of a plan to strengthen him after a break without proper holidays. He noted the team face four matches in 10 days and said the long trip offered little benefit. Cuca added that Gabigol, Arão, Schmidt and Igor are in good condition, giving him more options.

Without Neymar, Santos beat Universidad Central 4-1 to take control of the tie. They can lose the return by up to two goals and still advance.

After Brazil’s World Cup elimination, Neymar took a few days’ leave in the United States with his family. He returned to Santos training last Friday at CT Rei Pelé and worked normally on Tuesday, following a plan to play at 18:30 Brasília time.

The club had concerns over his future after the early exit, but Neymar has told the board he intends to see out his contract until December before deciding his next step. Retirement at year’s end or a move to the United States are not ruled out if there is interest.

After Chapecoense, Santos face UCV on 28 July in the Sudamericana, then meet Remo on the first and fourth of August for a Copa do Brasil quarter-final berth. Their league campaign resumes on the ninth of August against Athletico-PR at Vila Belmiro.

Source: Globo.com