Neymar finally sees the end of the tunnel. After five weeks of absence due to a muscle injury to the right thigh, Santos' attacker is approaching a return to competition.
The appointment is already set. Santos receives Flamengo Thursday 8 October at Vila Belmiro, for the 29th day of Brasiliirão. And everything indicates that number 10 could find the land on that occasion.
Neymar has taken over without restriction
Neymar hasn't played since September 2, during the draw against Palmeiras in the Brazil Cup quarterfinals. Since then, the Brazilian has followed a recovery program before gradually returning to the field.
This week, the signal has become much more positive. Neymar normally participated in Santos training, without restriction, with the rest of the group. The staff can now consider returning to Flamengo.
Cuca had also opened the door to this possibility after the victory against São Paulo. "The chance he's playing is great," explained Santos' coach, noting that his condition would still be assessed before the game.
An entry rather than a tenure?
However, Neymar's return does not necessarily mean a tenure. After five weeks without competition, Santos could avoid taking risks with his star player.
Rather, the trend is towards progressive use. Neymar could thus start on the bench before going into the game to regain rhythm. This assumption is notably advanced while Santos remains on an excellent dynamic with five consecutive championship wins.
The context makes its return even more interesting. Santos receives the leader Flamengo in a Vila Belmiro that should be particularly animated. After five weeks away from the field, Neymar could return to the competition directly against one of the most expected opponents of the championship.
