Neymar returned to on-field training with Santos on Friday, stepping up his recovery from a grade 2B muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his thigh. The attacking midfielder took part in transition work on the pitch, although he did not engage in contact drills with the rest of the squad as the team prepared for their upcoming Brazilian Championship derby against São Paulo.
Head coach Cuca led the session at CT Rei Pelé, which combined physical activities and tactical work. The club’s medical update revealed that while Neymar is making progress, the coaching staff plans to manage his return carefully to ensure he is available for as many matches as possible during the Brasileirão’s final stretch. This makes his presence in Friday’s derby nearly impossible.
Alongside Neymar, Argentine forward Álvaro Barreal is also undergoing transition training on the field. Barreal is further along in his recovery from a left thigh injury and has a chance to be included in the squad against São Paulo. This contrasts with Neymar’s more cautious trajectory.
Midfielder Benjamín Rollheiser rejoined full group training after missing the previous weekend’s win over Remo and the following Thursday session due to a severe viral illness. His return to normal training comes as positive news for Santos ahead of the derby.
Meanwhile, Willian Arão remains a doubt for the match. He is being treated for pain in the internal oblique muscle of the abdomen and has been attending physical therapy sessions twice daily. If fit, Arão would likely replace suspended center-back Luan Peres for the derby.
Santos will continue their preparations with another training session scheduled for Saturday morning. The team faces São Paulo in the next round of the Brazilian Championship, with several players working through recovery or fitness questions.
The club’s medical updates show a squad balancing injury management and tactical readiness as they approach a crucial fixture. Neymar’s gradual return to pitch work is a sign of progress, but the coaching staff’s decision not to rush him underlines the care taken to avoid setbacks.
According to Yahoo Sports.