Gabigol back for Santos against São Paulo as Vojvoda weighs selection calls | OneFootball

Gabigol is back in contention for Santos in Saturday’s clássico at Morumbis, the sixth round of the Campeonato Paulista, with kick-off at 20:30. The squad completed preparations on Friday.

According to Diario Do Peixe, heavy rain curtailed Friday’s session, so players focused on fitness work and set-pieces. There was no tactical training.

The forward had been rested due to tendinitis and the risk of injury, but he trained fully this week and should face São Paulo. Rony also trained, was listed on the CBF’s BID and registered with the Paulista federation, leaving him available to Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

Despite the lack of a formal tactical run-through, Vojvoda trialled combinations during the week. One look featured Gabriel Brazão in goal, a back line of Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frías, Zé Ivaldo or Luan Peres, and Escobar or Vinícius Lira, a midfield of João Schmidt, Zé Rafael and Gabriel Menino, and a front three of Barreal, Miguelito or Rollheiser, and Gabriel Barbosa.

Neymar remains out. He trained with team-mates and is in the final stage of recovery, with the expectation of a return only on four February.

Tiquinho Soares has advanced his recovery, beginning outdoor running at CT Rei Pelé. He is close to returning after a muscle injury, though his future at the club is still undecided.

Santos still have confirmed absences for the derby, with Willian Arão recovering from kidney stone surgery, Gustavo Henrique nursing a right adductor injury, and Thaciano treating oedema in the right hamstring.

Source: Diario Do Peixe