O Santos is ready to debut on Paulista Championship. On Friday afternoon, the Santos squad held the last pre-season training session at CT Rei Pelé and finished preparing for the match against Novorizontino. Left-back Souza, who is negotiating the exit, was on the inside again and should be absent.
Souza is close to reinforcing Tottenham, from England. The English club is preparing an offer of around 15 million euros (around R$94.4 million), and Peixe is awaiting the final details.
How was the training?
In the morning, the Santos squad carried out physical assessments at CT Rei Pelé. In the afternoon, Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s technical committee carried out tests on the team in tactical work. There was also a complement of set pieces.
Gabigol, once again, trained alongside his other teammates. The expectation is that the center forward will make his debut with the Santos shirt this Saturday.
Recovering from surgery on his left knee, Neymar remained inside the CT Rei Pelé again for physical work. The same goes for Souza, who is close to being sold.
Absences
Neymar and Souza are certain absences for Santos’ debut at Paulista. In addition to the duo, Vojvoda also lost midfielders Zé Rafael, with conjunctivitis, and Gabriel Bontempo. The latter underwent surgery on his nose to correct a deviated septum and only did one full training session with the team.
Peixe will also not have strikers Tiquinho Soares and Barreal available. The first suffered muscle edema in his right calf, while the second did not have the situation resolved. The club is facing problems with a delay in sending documentation and is unlikely to register the Argentine’s new contract in time.
Probable lineup
A likely Santos lineup has: Gabriel Brazão; Igor Vinícius, Zé Ivaldo, Adonis Frías and Escobar; Willian Arão, João Schmidt and Rollheiser; Lautaro Díaz, Robinho Jr. and Gabigol.
Santos hosts Novorizontino this Saturday, starting at 4pm (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro.
Through the lens of Santos TV, the last training session before the season premiere! 🎥 pic.twitter.com/SGTxp0dxQf
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) January 9, 2026
Santos’ next games
- Santos x Novorizontino (first round of Paulistão)
- Date and time: 01/10 (Saturday), at 4pm (Brasília time)
- Location: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)
- Palmeiras x Santos (second round of Paulistão)
- Date and time: 01/14 (Wednesday), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time)
- Location: Arena Barueri, in Barueri (SP)
