Schmidt coy on Neymar v Fortaleza: “He’s feeling good” | OneFootball

Midfielder João Schmidt dodged questions about the return of attacking midfielder Neymar to Santos in the match against Fortaleza, for the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. The star’s comeback is still seen as unlikely, but there is a possibility, even if remote, that the star could return to the pitch as early as this Saturday.

Neymar is currently in physical transition. The superstar has been participating in physical training with the squad and working with the ball on the field at the CT Rei Pelé. However, this second part is done individually. The number 10 has not yet taken part in technical and tactical activities led by the coaching staff.

“Honestly, I don’t know when he’ll be available, if he’ll play or not. What I know is that he’s been talking, he’s been feeling good and wants to help,” emphasized the Santos midfielder at a press conference this Friday at CT Rei Pelé.

João Schmidt at the press conference (Photo: Thais Bueno/Gazeta Press)

Neymar hasn’t played for Santos since September 14, when he started and played 81 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Atlético-MG, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship, but without contributing goals or assists.

This season, the number 10 has struggled to string together a long run of matches due to some physical issues. Peixe has not disclosed a recovery timeline for the star, but the expectation is that, if he doesn’t return against Fortaleza, he could be back on the pitch for the match against Flamengo, on November 9.

Neymar is Santos’ main hope in this final stretch of the season. The Alvinegro Praiano is still fighting against relegation and hopes to count on the star’s help on the field to avoid the drop. In 2025, he has six goals and three assists in 21 matches.

Santos’ position in the standings

With the draw against Botafogo, Santos remains in 16th place, now with 32 points, one more than Vitória, who lost to Corinthians and sits at the top of the relegation zone.

Neymar’s numbers for Santos this season

Upcoming Santos matches

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