Paulinho back in Palmeiras squad after nearly 10 months, could face Santos | OneFootball

Paulinho has been named in Palmeiras' squad for the derby with Santos, nearly 10 months after his last appearance. According to Diario Do Peixe, the forward could feature this weekend.

He trained with the squad on Thursday and Friday and is likely to start on the bench. He is expected to be eased in, with his workload overseen by the club's fitness staff.

He last played on 4 July 2025, against Chelsea at the Club World Cup. After that tournament he underwent surgery for a stress fracture of the right tibia, beginning a lengthy rehabilitation.

Since then the No 10 has completed reconditioning on a controlled schedule run by the club's medical unit. Although cleared to return, his load will continue to be monitored in the coming matches.

Palmeiras still have absentees. Vitor Roque is out with a left ankle injury, while Joaquín Piquerez is recovering from surgery on his right ankle.

Head coach Abel Ferreira will also be missing from the touchline, serving a suspension imposed by the Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva for incidents involving dismissals and complaints about refereeing in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Palmeiras lead the table on 32 points. Santos sit 17th with 14 points and are trying to climb out of the relegation zone.

Source: Diario Do Peixe