Santos Prepares for Grêmio Match Amid Player Changes

Santos, SP — The Santos football club is gearing up for a match against Grêmio on Wednesday, October 1, at 9:30 PM local time in Vila Belmiro. This comes after a mixed start for the team under new coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

Vojvoda finalized his preparations on Tuesday afternoon, welcoming back defender Adonis Frías, who trained with no limitations. Frías is competing for a starting spot with Paraguayan Alexis Duarte, who debuted last Sunday.

The club is also dealing with news that star player Neymar is recovering from a thigh injury he sustained recently. Neymar participated in physical therapy at the Rei Pelé training center, intensifying efforts to return to full fitness.

“Neymar is our leader. We are sad to see him sidelined,” Vojvoda said during a press conference. His injury has raised concerns over whether this season will serve as his last with Santos, as his contract is set to expire in December.

The coach is likely to make shifts in the attack, potentially starting Victor Hugo alongside Benjamin Rollheiser, who returns from suspension. The anticipated lineup includes Gabriel Brazão; Mayke or Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frías or Alexis Duarte, Luan Peres, and Escobar; João Schmidt, Zé Rafael, Rollheiser, and Victor Hugo; with Guilherme and Lautaro Díaz up front.

The Santos team is currently unbeaten in their last four Brazilian league matches, sitting comfortably with 27 points, five points clear of the relegation zone.

As the squad looks to maintain its positive momentum, Santos aims to improve their home record, which has been one of the poorest in the league this season.