Out since August, Santos midfielder hopes to debut under Vojvoda in derby | OneFootball

The midfielder Gabriel Bontempo is close to returning to the field, this time under the command of Juan Pablo Vojvoda. Recovered from a muscle injury in his right thigh, the 20-year-old player is eagerly anticipating his debut with the Argentine coach in the classic match against Corinthians, scheduled for next Wednesday at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship.

The last time Bontempo played was in Santos' 2-0 defeat to Bahia on August 24. Since then, the midfielder missed the following six games, during which he underwent treatment and gradually resumed physical and technical training at CT Rei Pelé. In the match against Ceará, he was listed but did not enter the field.

Now, with the FIFA date break, the player took advantage of the training sessions to regain rhythm and make himself available again. Back to unrestricted training, the midfielder might gain space playing in a more offensive role in the midfield, where Barreal has been the main competitor.

In the season, the "Menino da Vila" has played 35 matches and scored four goals wearing the Santos jersey. His return is internally seen as a relief amid the final stretch of the Brasileirão, as the team seeks to distance itself from the relegation zone — currently, Santos is in 16th place with 28 points.

For the classic match, Vojvoda is expected to maintain the base of the last games, with possible minor adjustments. Neymar, still recovering from a rectus femoris muscle injury in his right thigh, is a confirmed absence. Meanwhile, midfielder Victor Hugo remains doubtful.

Next Santos Game

Santos vs. Corinthians — 28th round of the Brazilian Championship Date and time: October 15, 2025 (Wednesday), at 9:30 PM Location: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.