Neymar trains as Santos hold penultimate session before facing Botafogo | OneFootball

On the morning of this Friday, the squad of Santos held the penultimate training session at CT Rei Pelé and advanced in preparation to face Botafogo, in a match valid for the 30th round of the Brazilian Championship. Still recovering from an injury, Neymar went to the field and did some running, but has not yet started the physical transition.

The midfielder Tomás Rincón, on the other hand, trained normally with the other teammates, just like on Thursday. Recovered from a left calf edema, the Venezuelan is expected to strengthen the team in this Sunday's match.

Santos will finish preparing to face Botafogo on Saturday morning and will travel to Rio de Janeiro in the afternoon. The teams will clash this Sunday at 4 pm (Brasília time) at Estádio Nilton Santos.

How was the training?

Coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda led a tactical session on the field at CT Rei Pelé and tested the team that is likely to start the match. In the final part of the training, the players also did some finishing drills.

Tomás Rincón participated in ball work without any major issues. Neymar, meanwhile, continued with indoor activities at the CT and only took a few laps on the field, but has not yet started the physical transition process. The star is still in recovery.

After the activities ended, Neymar stayed a bit longer outside the CT field. The star watched Robinho Jr. play and also signed some Peixe jerseys.

Absences and returns

For this match, Vojvoda will have a significant absence. Midfielder Zé Rafael received his third yellow card and will need to serve a suspension. This opens up a spot in the midfield, with Rincón, Willian Arão, Bontempo, and Victor Hugo competing for a place in the starting lineup.

In addition to Zé Rafael, the coach continues to miss Neymar. The attacking midfielder is recovering from a injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh and is still in the recovery process.

On the other hand, the coach will have an important return in the midfield. It's João Schmidt, who served a suspension in the match against Vitória and is now available.

Santos' position in the standings

Juan Pablo Vojvoda's team remains in 16th place, with 31 points – the same amount as Vitória, which opens the relegation zone. Despite having one game less, Peixe will not have an easy task and will need to earn points in the final stretch of the Brasileirão to avoid relegation for the second time.

Santos' upcoming matches

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