Neymar named in Santos squad for Vila Belmiro clash with Flamengo but set to begin on bench

Neymar has been included in Santos’ matchday squad for the club’s Brasileiro Série A game against Flamengo at Vila Belmiro on Thursday, October 8, 2026, but coach Cuca indicated he is unlikely to start and is expected to begin on the bench.

Santos have recovered from early-season struggles and climbed to eighth place in the league, collecting 41 points as they chase the remaining Libertadores qualification spots. The club’s campaign record stands at 11 wins, eight draws and nine losses, with 43 goals scored and 41 conceded, a turnaround that followed concern about relegation earlier in the season.

The side have strung together five successive Brasileirao victories — their longest run since 2019 — and have shown an ability to withstand pressure while taking advantage of opponents’ chances. Those results have been achieved despite Neymar’s absence from recent matchday squads, with teammates producing cohesive performances in his absence.

Neymar missed five weeks with a right thigh injury but has recovered sufficiently to return to the squad for the 29th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Cuca named him among the available players for Thursday’s fixture at Vila Belmiro, with the coach planning to use him as a substitute if the match situation warrants playing time.

The fixture is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Vila Belmiro in round 29 of the Campeonato Brasileiro. For viewers in India the kick-off time is listed as 4:00 AM IST on October 9.

Santos host Flamengo in this 29th-round meeting at Vila Belmiro, with Neymar available on the bench and potentially able to contribute minutes if Cuca chooses to bring him on during the match.