Neymar Misses Santos Training with Flu Symptoms but Set for Derby Return

Neymar Jr. missed Santos’ tactical session at CT Rei Pelé after coming down with mild flu symptoms, briefly jolting the club’s preparations for a crucial derby week.

The captain was pulled from Friday’s work on medical advice, just as Cuca was sharpening his game plan for the trip to fierce rivals Corinthians. Santos moved quickly to calm any panic. The club confirmed in an official note that their star forward showed “flu-like symptoms” and was excused from the session on August 28 on the recommendation of the Health Department.

This was caution, not crisis. Reports indicate Neymar is expected back in training on Saturday and remains in contention to start the derby.

Santos can hardly afford to be without him. The Brazilian forward has carried the attack this season, with nine goals and eight assists in 24 appearances, numbers that underline how central he has become to Cuca’s system. When he was missing in the Copa do Brasil against Palmeiras, the Peixe collapsed to a 3-0 defeat. That memory still stings.

Selection Challenges

Now Cuca’s selection puzzle grows more complicated. Joao Schmidt is suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards. Gabriel Menino is out with a knee sprain. The spine of the team is creaking just as the calendar turns brutal.

Stakes of the Derby

The stakes at Corinthians are stark. Santos sit only two points clear of the Campeonato Brasileiro relegation zone and need a result to keep daylight between themselves and the drop. One bad night could drag them straight into the fight they have been trying to avoid all season.

And the derby is only the beginning. After that, Santos must attempt a near-miracle: overturning a three-goal deficit against Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg. Then comes a difficult away trip to Internacional before the domestic schedule pauses.

It is a punishing run. For Santos, and for Cuca, having Neymar fit is not a luxury. It is the thin line between a season rescued and a campaign spiralling out of control.