Neymar must be in condition. We will work these days leading up to the game, but the chance of him playing is great,
head coach Cuca said after a recent victory.
Neymar is set to return to the Santos squad for a high-stakes Brasileirão clash against league leaders Flamengo at the Vila Belmiro, thefootball.com.br reported. The forward has missed the club’s last seven matches after suffering a right thigh injury five weeks ago.
Santos Welcomes Back Star Forward Ahead of League Leaders Clash
Despite dealing with various medical setbacks throughout the 2026 season, the number 10 remains a productive focal point for the São Paulo outfit. Neymar has contributed six goals and three assists across 21 appearances for the club this year.
The timing of his return coincides with a surging run of form for the squad under Cuca. The club has put together five consecutive wins in the Campeonato Brasileiro, capturing 20 points from their last nine matches for a 74.1% points percentage. That run has lifted the club to seventh place in the standings and thrust them firmly into the race for a Copa Libertadores qualification berth. The club has not won the international competition since 2011.
The numbers speak for themselves. We had a fantastic surge: five away wins, including two derbies. We played good games against Atlético-MG, Cruzeiro, Remo. It hasn’t happened since Pelé’s time. We have to celebrate a lot. Thursday will be a wonderful game, which has everything to be a great match,
Cuca stated.
Midfielder Arthur Faces Fitness Test Following Thigh Strain
While the attack receives a major boost with Neymar’s reintegration, the midfield depth faces an unexpected threat. Defensive midfielder Arthur felt discomfort in his upper right thigh muscle and will undergo medical examinations to determine the severity of the issue.
Brought in at the end of August, Arthur has featured in six matches and established himself as a reliable asset in the squad’s tactical setup. Losing him for the encounter against the league leaders would force Cuca into late adjustments in the middle of the pitch.
Familiar Rivalry Revives Memories of Last Season’s Survival Battle
Fixtures between these two traditional Brazilian clubs carry historical weight, though recent meetings have held vastly different stakes for each side. Neymar served as the central protagonist in the corresponding fixture last season at the Vila Belmiro, scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory.
That result handed the squad crucial points in their fight against relegation to Série B. While the team from Baixada Santista ultimately finished the campaign in 12th place with 47 points, Flamengo claimed the national championship title with 79 points.
The Thursday fixture kicks off with Flamengo setting the pace at the top of the table, while the home side looks to translate its recent momentum into a statement performance against the reigning powerhouses.
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