Santos hand players three-week break, Lisbon camp to follow | OneFootball

Santos have given the squad a three-week break after the 3-1 win over Vitória at Vila Belmiro in the 18th round of the Brasileirão, with players due back at CT Rei Pelé on 22 June. According to Diario Do Peixe, they will then train for two weeks before an interseason camp in Portugal.

The team will be based in Lisbon from 7 to 17 July and plan four friendlies. One is confirmed, a meeting with Vitória de Guimarães on 12 July at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães.

The second half brings 20 further Série A rounds, the Copa do Brasil last 16 against Remo and the Sudamericana playoff with Universidad Central of Venezuela. The Remo ties are expected on 1 or 2 August, then 5 or 8 August, with R$ 4 million due if Santos progress. The Sudamericana legs are slated for 21 or 22 and 27 or 28 July, with Maracá of Ecuador awaiting in the last 16 if they advance.

Head coach Cuca said he wants reinforcements to build fitness during the camp, adding that around four games should help return with rhythm. He spoke of balancing and strengthening the group in the second half and suggested new signings and B-team players could feature.

The CBF and Conmebol have yet to finalise the fixture list. The expectation is that Santos leave Portugal for Venezuela for the first Sudamericana playoff, then face Chapecoense in the league, with an initial Botafogo date likely to be postponed due to a clash.

Midfielders Gabriel Menino and João Schmidt continue to recover from right hamstring injuries, while forward Thaciano is also rehabbing a right thigh injury. Santos could also have Neymar Jr back after duty with Brazil.

Source: Diario Do Peixe