São Paulo: Oscar out, Crespo to field mixed team v Santos derby | OneFootball

The São Paulo squad returned to training this Saturday afternoon (20) at the Barra Funda training center, and trained with a focus on the classic match against Santos for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship, which will be played at Vila Belmiro starting at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) this Sunday (21).

After the warm-up, which included coordination, speed, and technical exercises, coach Hernán Crespo and his assistants guided a tactical 11 vs. 11 session followed by a set-piece rehearsal.

Cleared to train without restrictions after recovering from a pulmonary embolism, Luiz Gustavo participated in this activity. Out of action since April, the midfielder is now seeking to regain his rhythm to be considered for selection again.

Midfielder Oscar, who suffered fractures in three lumbar vertebrae on July 19, engaged in a reduced-space activity on the adjacent field, on his second day of unrestricted ball work, continuing his physical reconditioning process. Forward Lucas, recovering from a right knee arthroscopy, continued with individualized exercises with physiotherapy. Both are not called up for the match.

Right-back Cédric Soares, suffering from a virus, did not participate in the day's activities and will not travel with the squad to Santos. He joins forward Tapia, suspended due to a third yellow card, among the absentees.

The team will head to the coast on Sunday morning (21) and will remain concentrated at the hotel until it's time to go to the stadium.

With the quarterfinal decision of the Copa Libertadores in sight (the club needs to overturn a two-goal deficit against LDU at Morumbi to reach the semifinals), there is an expectation of a mixed team lineup for the classic match.

The probable lineup for São Paulo for the game is expected to be Rafael; Rafael Tolói, Alan Franco (Arboleda), and Sabino (Ferraresi); Maílton, Pablo Maia, Alisson, Rodriguinho, and Wendell; Ferreirinha and Dinenno.

São Paulo started the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship in seventh place, with 35 points. The Tricolor is not at risk of losing its position if it doesn't win, and could reach up to fifth place in case of a victory and a combination of results.

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