In a much-anticipated return to the Brasileirão Série A, Santos FC is preparing for their match against Vasco on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 6:30 PM (Brasília time) in São Januário. As the team gears up for this crucial encounter, head coach Pedro Caixinha faces several uncertainties regarding his lineup but is bolstered by the return of star player Neymar, who has recovered from a left thigh muscle injury.
Neymar, a crucial figure for Santos, missed the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista against Corinthians, as well as the national team’s Data Fifa matches against Colombia and Argentina due to concerns about aggravating his injury. His recovery is pivotal as the team looks to secure a positive start to the league season. According to a report from ge.globo, Neymar has not only healed but will also be taking the field as a starter against Vasco.
Expressing his relief over his recovery, Neymar said, “The happiest part of returning to the field is that I feel good, without pain, thank God. It was a period of intense work to strengthen all aspects, not just my thigh but also my quadriceps, and I'm happy with the result.” This statement highlights his dedication and optimism as he prepares to contribute significantly to his team's efforts.
According to insiders, the return of Neymar is just one of several changes Caixinha has in store. The coaching staff is considering the starting lineup, which may also feature Benjamín Rollheiser, a former Benfica player who has been impressing during training. Rollheiser could slot in alongside other attacking options, including Deivid Washington, who is expected to replace Tiquinho Soares after a few good attempts during the Paulistão season.
In the midfield, Gabriel Bontempo has been solid in training, cementing his place in the starting formation. Conversely, João Schmidt—a player who faced criticism from fans during the state championship—might lose his position to Venezuelan Tomás Rincón, highlighting the competitive nature of the current squad.
On the defensive end, Santos is likely to maintain a solid core, with Gil and Zé Ivaldo anchoring the backline, complemented by Escobar on the left. The battle for the right-back position sees JP Chermont favored over Léo Godoy, reflecting the team’s competitive spirit to fine-tune their performances.
Overall, the probable lineup against Vasco could feature Gabriel Brazão in goal; a defense of JP Chermont, Zé Ivaldo, Gil, and Escobar; a midfield including João Schmidt and Gabriel Bontempo, with Neymar likely leading the attack alongside Soteldo and Washington. This setup aims to leverage the club's strength as they attempt to kick off their league campaign successfully.
Despite recent challenges, Neymar's return to the pitch is reassuring for both the team and its supporters. The Santos FC community is eager to see how the team will perform in the crucial match against Vasco, buoyed by the star’s presence.
Since returning from his injury, Neymar has impressively scored three goals and provided three assists in just seven appearances, a testament to his impact and importance to the club.
As Santos steps onto the pitch in what promises to be an electric return to the league, the players and coaching staff are hopeful that they can harness their momentum to secure a meaningful victory. Fans eagerly await the outcome of this fixture as the club embarks on its journey through the 2025 season.
