Santos promote Copinha duo to first team for Paulista debut | OneFootball

Santos may gain two new homegrown reinforcements for their debut in the Campeonato Paulista. Peixe has promoted midfielder Gustavo Henrique and forward Mateus Xavier to the professional squad ahead of the match against Novorizontino.

The two young academy players were competing in the Copinha with Santos. At the request of Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s coaching staff, both have been integrated into the professional team and are expected to train with the squad this Friday.

The information was initially reported by Canal Alçapão and confirmed by Gazeta Esportiva.

See also: All the news from Gazeta Esportiva Gazeta Esportiva’s YouTube Channel Follow Gazeta Esportiva on Instagram 

Santos will hold their final training session for the Paulistão debut on Friday afternoon at CT Rei Pelé. Therefore, the tendency is that both young players will be available for the match against Novorizontino. Gustavo Henrique and Mateus Xavier were undisputed starters for Santos in the Copinha. The midfielder was the team captain, while the forward had been standing out with his goal-scoring instinct — four goals in the first two matches.

It’s worth remembering that Santos had already called up left-back Vinícius Lira to join the professional squad. The defender was also playing in the Copinha for Peixe.

Absences for the debut

Santos will have some absences for their Paulistão debut. Some players are negotiating their departure from the club, while others are injured.

In midfield, for example, Santos is not expected to have Bontempo available. The player underwent surgery to correct a deviated nasal septum and will only participate in one unrestricted training session with the squad. In addition, Victor Hugo, who is on loan to Santos, is of interest to Atlético-MG, according to ESPN.

In attack, Santos also faces shortages. Peixe is dealing with delays in documentation from FC Cincinnati and is unlikely to register Barreal’s new contract in time. He needs to be registered in the BID by 7 p.m. (Brasília time) this Friday. Neymar, still recovering, will also definitely be out. Finally, Tiquinho Soares, with swelling in his left calf, is out as well.

Souza may also be unavailable. The left-back is negotiating a move to Tottenham, England, and trained indoors last Thursday.

Santos debuts in the Paulista this Saturday, when they face Novorizontino. The match kicks off at 4 p.m. at Vila Belmiro.

Upcoming Santos matches

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