Santos coach reveals plans for Neymar’s return to the pitch against Flamengo

Neymar has been sidelined with injury problems since rejoining Santos, keeping him off the field for several months. But with a key matchup against Flamengo on the horizon, both the club and head coach Cleber Xavier are preparing for the star’s long-awaited return.

The Brazilian forward has dealt with two muscular injuries that kept him out of action for a combined 78 days. After opting to stay with Santos instead of taking part in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Neymar has been steadily ramping up his workload in training, regaining match fitness.

In an interview with Rádio Guaíba, Santos head coach Cleber Xavier offered an encouraging update: “For the match against Flamengo, (Neymar) should be able to play the full 90 minutes comfortably, based on how he’s been progressing in daily training.”

The club’s current plan is for Neymar to play the full match in the rescheduled Brasileirao fixture against Flamengo on Wednesday, July 16. If that happens, it would be only the second time he has gone the full 90 since returning to Santos on January 31.

Since rejoining his boyhood club, Neymar has made eight appearances, scoring three goals and recording three assists, consistently delivering when healthy. With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, the Brazil international is focused on staying fit and reaching peak form.

Santos struggles without Neymar

After earning promotion back to Brazil’s top flight following the first relegation in the club’s history, Santos hoped Neymar’s return would help fuel a push for a continental spot. Instead, the team finds itself fighting to avoid another drop.

Santos currently sits 15th in the Brasileirao with 11 points—the same total as 17th-placed Internacional, who are in the relegation zone on goal difference. Without Neymar, Santos has played eight league matches, managing just one win, two draws, and five losses. His return could prove critical in turning the season around and steering the club away from a disastrous campaign.