Santos wary of suspensions before Copa do Brasil derby v Palmeiras | OneFootball

Santos will need to be cautious to avoid losing any players to suspension for the derby against Palmeiras. The team is on high alert with players at risk of suspension in this Saturday's match against Fortaleza, in the Brazilian Championship.

The "Alvinegro Praiano" has a long list of seven players at risk who, if they receive a third yellow card against Fortaleza, will have to serve a suspension in the derby against Palmeiras, scheduled for next Thursday at Allianz Parque.

The list of Santos players at risk includes goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, defenders Luan Peres, João Basso, and Luisão, full-backs Igor Vinícius and Escobar, and forward Barreal.

From this list, it is likely that at least five will start in the match against Fortaleza this Saturday: Brazão, Luan Peres, Igor Vinícius, Escobar, and Barreal. Escobar would be competing for a position with Souza, but the young player received a third yellow card against Botafogo and is serving a suspension.

Among these starters, three have been standout players for Santos throughout the season. Gabriel Brazão has saved the team numerous times in Serie A, while Luan Peres is one of the team's leaders and the defensive pillar. Barreal has become an offensive reference after starting Vojvoda's tenure as a substitute.

Igor Vinícius, on the other hand, seems to have solidified his position as the right-back for Santos, winning the competition with Mayke. On the left side, the competition for a spot remains open, with Souza seeking an opportunity and Escobar having the confidence of coach Vojvoda.

The other players at risk – Mayke, Luisão, and João Basso – are in different situations at Santos. The full-back has a knee inflammation and will miss the match, while the two defenders have lost their place and haven't played for months. Both were not even listed.

Still, the rule is clear: if any of the players at risk receive a third yellow card (or even a red card), they will serve a suspension in the derby against Palmeiras.

Standings Situation

With the draw against Botafogo, Santos remains in 16th place, now with 32 points, one more than Vitória, who lost to Corinthians and is at the top of the relegation zone. On the other hand, Fortaleza is in 18th place, with 27 points – five less than Santos.

Santos and Fortaleza face off in a direct battle against relegation. The match will also mark Vojvoda's reunion with Leão do Pici, his last club before joining Santos. The Argentine made history while managing the Ceará team, with qualifications for the Libertadores and positive campaigns in the Brasileirão.

Upcoming Santos Matches

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