Neymar will have a special schedule at Santos to make it to the World Cup squad in one pieceBy Thiago Lemos
5 min read
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Santos has established a rigorous plan for striker
Until the date of the announcement, the Santos team has a tight calendar with 14 commitments distributed between the Campeonato Brasileiro, the Copa of the Brasil and the Copa Sul-Americana. The board and technical committee agreed that the number 10 should participate in approximately half of these clashes, prioritizing duels at home and avoiding exhausting journeys or terrain that poses greater physical risk.
- Absolute physical preservation to avoid muscle injuries before the world tournament.
- Reduced travel logistics, especially on international departures with complex logistics.
- Focus on decisive games at Vila Belmiro where load control is more precise.
- Scheduled absence on synthetic pitches to protect the athlete’s joints.
Detailed planning for April clashes
The April marathon begins with important games at Brasil, where Neymar should be a central figure, but the technical committee has already signaled important vetoes. The player must be present at the debut against Remo at Vila Belmiro and in the classic against Flamengo at Maracanã, but the trip to Equador, where Santos faces Deportivo Cuenca, is practically ruled out due to the altitude and wear and tear of the flight.
This planned absence will allow the star to recover for a sequence of four matches on Santos soil, facing Atlético-MG, Fluminense, Recoleta and Coritiba. The objective is to maintain the pace of the game without exposing the athlete to sudden weather variations or different hotels in a short space of time, ensuring that he maintains the technical performance required by Carlo Ancelotti.
International logistics and the duel in Buenos Aires
One of the highlights of the April schedule is the confrontation against San Lorenzo, at Argentina, for Copa Sul-Americana, where the presence of Neymar is taken for granted. The player himself expressed enthusiasm with the reception from Argentine fans on the internet, and the medical department understands that the trip to Buenos Aires is less aggressive than other continental destinations.
After this international commitment, the focus returns to maintaining physical integrity, as the end of the month marks the beginning of May with greater geographical challenges. The idea is that the attacker arrives on May 18th in ideal playing conditions, presenting solid numbers of minutes on the field, but without the history of pain that usually accompanies athletes in saturated calendars.
Decision on synthetic grass in Allianz Parque
The month of May will bring one of the biggest obstacles to the Santos idol’s preservation schedule: the derby against Palmeiras away from home. Devido to the synthetic pitch at the Alviverde stadium, the Santos medical department recommends that Neymar not be involved in this specific match on May 2nd.
The artificial surface is seen as an unnecessary risk factor for an athlete seeking the final call-up for his last Copa of Mundo. By being spared from this confrontation, Neymar will have more time to prepare for the definitions in the Copa of the Brasil against the Coritiba, where his technical leadership is considered indispensable for the advancement of the Peixe in the national competition.
Final sequence before the definitive list of Seleção
In the days leading up to the announcement of Carlo Ancelotti, Santos will have clashes against Red Bull Bragantino and again against Coritiba, both for Copa from The tendency is for Neymar to play in the second leg of the national cup to guarantee classification, acting as their last big test before possibly presenting themselves to Granja Comary.
If Neymar’s name is confirmed on the May 18 list, planning calls for him to be immediately released from his obligations to Alvinegro. The objective is for him to begin exclusive preparation for the friendly on May 31st and for subsequent Seleção Brasileira games, eliminating any chance of shock or physical trauma in the final rounds of the local championship.
Load management and daily technological monitoring
The Santos uses cutting-edge technology to monitor each step of Neymar during training on the CT Rei Pelé, adjusting the intensity according to GPS data. The player’s private physiotherapist works in conjunction with the club’s professionals to ensure that peak performance occurs precisely during the period from Copa to Mundo.
Any sign of extreme fatigue or discomfort in training will result in the athlete’s immediate withdrawal from high-impact activities. Essa cautious stance is seen as an investment, since having a healthy Neymar values the club’s brand worldwide and meets the player’s own desire to lead the Brasil in search of a sixth championship under the command of the Italian coach.
Technical aspects of the game schedule
The official calendar shows that Neymar will have opportunities to shine in front of the Santos fans on at least six occasions before the FIFA deadline. Games against Atlético-MG and Fluminense are considered vital for Santos’s position in the Brasileirão table, and the star must be used as a starter in these matches to keep the competitive pace high.
The absence in games such as against Bahia, in Salvador, serves to compensate for the effort required in state and national classics. The balance between performing at a high level and resting the body is the key to the success of this plan, which has the full approval of Ancelotti, who maintains frequent contact with the Santos technical committee to monitor the evolution of the number 10.
Impact of the call-up on the continuity of the season
From the moment the list is released, Santos is already preparing the cast to act without its main star for an extended period. The preservation strategy aims precisely to deliver the player in the best possible conditions to Seleção, preventing the club from being held responsible for any eventuality that prevents the star from competing in the tournament.
The board’s expectation is that Neymar, upon returning from Copa to Mundo, will be even more motivated for the final stages of the continental and national competitions. For now, the total focus lies on strictly complying with each date stipulated in the physical schedule, transforming every minute on the field into a safe and efficient display to guarantee your place on the flight towards Mundial.















