Even with the early return and the enthusiasm of the fans in Vila Belmiro, Neymar started the game between Santos and Fortaleza this Saturday (01/11) on the bench. The decision, taken jointly between coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and the club’s medical department, takes into account the need to preserve the star after a recent recovery from a muscle injury in his right thigh.
SCALED FISH! 📋⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Mjdy7yYQr8
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) November 1, 2025
Neymar upset his own staff by anticipating his return. The original planning predicted the return only in the next round, against Flamengo, at Maracanã, on November 9th. The medical team and professionals who accompanied him during more than 40 days of rehabilitation advocated another week of physical and technical work before definitive reintegration.
Since the beginning of the week, however, the number 10’s desire to help Santos in the fight against relegation has become louder. After passing the exams and participating in ball training, Neymar convinced Vojvoda to include him in the list of related players – even though he was not in the ideal condition to start playing.
The expectation is that the striker will play for around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the progress of the match. Santos enters the field under pressure: with 32 points, they are the first team outside the relegation zone, just one ahead of Vitória. Fortaleza, with 27, is 18th.
Santos x Fortaleza: time and where to watch
- Brazilian Championship 2025 – 31st round
- Data: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Time: 4pm (Brasília time)
- Local: Vila Belmiro, in Santos (SP)
- Transmission: SporTV (closed TV) and Premiere (pay-per-view)
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