Neymar Set to Start on the Bench vs Fluminense as Santos Tests Rollheiser in Central Role

Neymar is expected to be available for Santos this Sunday against Fluminense, but will likely begin the match on the bench. The Brazilian star trained normally throughout the week, though the coaching staff has opted against starting him right away following his recovery, according to Diario do Peixe.

Neymar hasn’t featured since March 2, when Santos faced Red Bull Bragantino in the Paulistão. He was named in the squad for the recent clássico against Corinthians but remained an unused substitute. Head coach Pedro Caixinha appears committed to easing the No. 10 back into action.

In Friday’s session, Caixinha kept testing the idea he used in the Água Santa friendly: shifting Benjamín Rollheiser from the wing to a central playmaking role. The Argentine could start as a No. 10 at the Maracanã.

The final decision on the starting XI will come before the trip to Rio, but Neymar is expected to see action in the second half.