Neymar's Flu Scare: Expected Return for Santos Derby

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 high-stakes derby against Corinthians.

The Brazilian star was pulled from Friday’s training as a precaution, just as Cuca was putting the final touches on his game plan for the trip to their fierce local rivals. Santos moved quickly to calm nerves, confirming in an official statement that their captain had been sidelined on medical advice.

“The athlete Neymar Jr. presented flu-like symptoms and was rested from Friday's (August 28) training session, following advice from the Health Department,” the club announced.

The decision underlined how vital Neymar has become to this Santos side. He has driven their attack all season, with nine goals and eight assists in 24 appearances. When he’s on the pitch, Santos look dangerous. When he’s not, the drop-off is brutal.

They know that all too well. The Peixe were torn apart 3-0 by Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil when they had to cope without their captain, a defeat that left a deep mark and a daunting second leg.

This time, though, the outlook is brighter. Reports indicate Neymar is expected to return to training on Saturday and should be available for selection in the derby, easing fears of another big-game absence.

Selection problems, however, haven’t gone away for Cuca.

Midfielder Joao Schmidt is suspended after an accumulation of bookings, stripping the coach of an important piece in the center of the pitch. Gabriel Menino is also out, sidelined with a knee sprain, further thinning the options in a crucial stretch of the season.

The timing could hardly be worse. Santos sit perilously close to the Campeonato Brasileiro relegation zone, just two points clear of the drop. A positive result against Corinthians is less a luxury and more a necessity if they want to breathe a little easier.

And the schedule only gets harsher from there.

Once the dust settles on the derby, Santos must attempt the near-impossible: overturning a three-goal deficit against Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg. After that, an away trip to Internacional closes out a punishing run before the domestic calendar pauses for the break.

For Cuca and Santos, keeping Neymar on the pitch over the next week isn’t just important. It could define their season.