Vojvoda faces selection dilemma for Santos v Corinthians clash | OneFootball

Santos head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda is set to have two new faces on the squad list for the derby against Corinthians. Midfielder Victor Hugo has recovered from his respective injuries and should be available for the match.

On the other hand, the Peixe have a new absentee. Defensive midfielder Tomás Rincón has been diagnosed with a calf edema in his left leg and is expected to be a miss, as is attacking midfielder Neymar, who is still recovering from a rectus femoris injury in his right thigh.

Rincón started for Santos in the 3–0 defeat to Ceará before the international break. With the Venezuelan’s possible absence, a spot has opened up in the Peixe starting lineup.

Attacking alternative

Vojvoda’s main alternative would be to “keep it simple”: move Zé Rafael to play alongside João Schmidt or another defensive midfielder, betting on a new change in attack to make the team more offensive, especially with the derby being played at Vila Belmiro.

If Vojvoda decides to field a midfield with two holding midfielders, the right-side spot in Santos’ attack remains open. In this sense, the coach has several options in his squad, such as Barreal, Caballero, Billal Brahimi, and even Robinho Júnior. Bontempo could also be an option.

After Victor Hugo’s injury, Barreal had been Vojvoda’s starter on that right side of the attack. The Argentine took over the starting role and scored a goal in the 2–2 draw against Red Bull Bragantino, away from home, in the Brazilian Championship.

‘Direct’ solution

If he keeps the tactical system used against Ceará, Vojvoda could also opt for just a ‘direct swap’ in the position, choosing a replacement to play alongside João Schmidt. In this case, Willian Arão stands out as the main option for a more defensive style, thus forming a lineup with three holding midfielders, with Zé Rafael slightly more advanced.

On the other hand, deploying Gabriel Bontempo or a deeper-lying Victor Hugo could give Santos’ midfield greater dynamism in the derby. Both, however, are returning from injury and lack match fitness. Academy youngster Hyan also appears as an alternative.

Willian Arão hasn’t played for Santos since July 16 due to a right calf injury. Bontempo, meanwhile, was on the bench against Ceará but didn’t play, as was the case with Arão. Finally, Victor Hugo has been out since September 21.

The fact is that Vojvoda will still conduct Santos’ final training session to decide who will be the 11 starters for the derby against Corinthians. The Peixe wrap up their preparation for the clash on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at CT Rei Pelé.

Santos’ situation in the Brasileirão

With 28 points from 26 matches, Santos are close to the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship. Currently, the Peixe are in 16th place, three points ahead of 17th-placed Vitória, the team that tops the Z-4.

Upcoming Santos matches

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