Neymar Rested but Expected to Return for Derby

Santos breathed a sigh of relief on Friday as fears over Neymar Jr.’s fitness eased, even though their captain was forced to sit out a key tactical session at CT Rei Pelé with mild flu symptoms.

On the eve of a crucial stretch in the season, the Brazilian star watched from the sidelines while Cuca’s squad fine‑tuned plans for a high‑stakes trip to fierce rivals Corinthians. His absence, however brief, came at the worst possible time for a team already stretched.

The club’s medical department chose caution. With the derby looming and a packed calendar ahead, they pulled him from training to avoid any risk of his condition worsening. Santos later confirmed the decision in an official note:

“The athlete Neymar Jr. presented flu-like symptoms and was rested from Friday’s (August 28) training session, following advice from the Health Department.”

The message that followed was the one every Santos fan wanted: reports indicate Neymar is expected back in training on Saturday and remains available for selection in the clássico.

His presence is non‑negotiable for a side clinging to safety. Neymar has driven Santos’ attack all season, with nine goals and eight assists in 24 appearances. When he plays, they look dangerous. When he doesn’t, the drop is brutal.

The evidence is still fresh. Without their captain, the Peixe collapsed to a 3-0 defeat against Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil, a result that left scars and a three-goal mountain to climb in the quarter-final second leg.

Cuca’s problems do not end with Neymar’s brief illness. The coach heads into the derby juggling suspensions and injuries at the worst possible moment. Joao Schmidt is out through suspension after accumulating bookings, while Gabriel Menino is sidelined with a knee sprain, stripping the midfield of energy and balance.

All this comes with the table tightening beneath them. Santos sit precariously close to the Campeonato Brasileiro relegation zone, just two points clear of danger. A positive result at Corinthians is not just about pride; it is about breathing space.

And the schedule offers no mercy. After the derby, Santos must attempt the improbable: overturning that three-goal deficit against Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg. Then comes a demanding away trip to Internacional, one more test before the domestic calendar pauses.

For Cuca and Santos, the equation is simple. They need their captain on the pitch, leading a squad battered by absences through a defining run that could shape the rest of their season.