Neymar has returned to full Santos training after missing a session with flu-like symptoms and is now available, with the Brazilian star expected to start against Corinthians.

Neymar cleared to face Corinthians after recovering from illness

Neymar has handed Santos a major boost ahead of their huge derby against Corinthians after recovering from flu-like symptoms and returning to full training.

The Brazilian superstar had sparked concern after missing Friday’s session and staying away from CT Rei Pelé while dealing with illness.

However, the latest update is significantly more positive.

Neymar completed the final training session with his teammates and is now available for selection against Corinthians.

Neymar returns to full Santos training

Neymar took part normally in Santos’ final preparations for the derby after recovering from the flu-like symptoms that kept him out of the previous session.

He participated in ball work and tactical exercises under Cuca without any reported setback.

That effectively removed the biggest doubt surrounding his availability for the match.

There is currently no indication that Neymar is dealing with a new injury.

Illness had created late concern

The situation looked far less certain just 24 hours earlier.

Neymar did not report to the training ground after developing flu-like symptoms and was advised to rest by the club’s medical staff.

Given the timing, there were immediate concerns that he could miss another important Santos fixture.

His rapid return to full training has now changed that picture completely.

Neymar expected to start against Corinthians

The latest reports from Brazil suggest Neymar is not merely available.

He is also expected to return directly to the starting XI.

Santos had already been planning to use him from the start in the derby, and his successful final training session means that plan can remain in place.

Unless there is a late setback, Neymar is expected to lead the Santos attack against Corinthians.

Neymar and Gabigol could start together

Another major talking point is the possibility of Neymar and Gabigol both starting.

The pair represent Santos’ most experienced and high-profile attacking options.

After the disappointing defeat to Palmeiras, Cuca is expected to turn back to his biggest attacking names in one of the most important matches of the league campaign.

A Neymar-Gabigol partnership would immediately increase the pressure on the Corinthians defence.

Neymar was rested against Palmeiras

The timing of Neymar’s return is particularly significant because he was left out of Santos’ recent 3-0 defeat against Palmeiras.

Cuca explained that the decision was connected to workload management and the need to protect Neymar during a demanding sequence of fixtures.

The Corinthians derby was one of the games Santos had been preparing him for.

Neymar later indicated that he had been ready to play, but accepted that the coaching staff made the final decision.

Santos therefore preserved Neymar for this period, making his availability against Corinthians even more important.

Pressure now increases on Neymar

Being available also means expectations will be extremely high.

Santos need points and have struggled for consistency.

The club are battling to create distance from the relegation zone, making every league fixture increasingly significant.

With Neymar fit again and expected to start, supporters will look to their biggest star to produce the difference.

Santos need a response

The defeat to Palmeiras increased pressure around the team.

Santos were beaten 3-0 and failed to create enough danger without Neymar in the side.

The derby against Corinthians now offers an immediate opportunity to respond.

A strong Neymar performance could quickly change the atmosphere around the club.

Corinthians derby carries huge importance

This is not simply another league match.

Santos and Corinthians share one of the biggest rivalries in Brazilian football.

The derby already carries enormous emotional weight, but the clubs’ current circumstances add even greater importance.

Santos are desperate to climb the table, while Corinthians will be equally determined to deny their rivals any momentum.

Neymar versus Memphis adds extra intrigue

The match could also feature another major individual storyline.

Corinthians have Memphis Depay among their attacking stars, potentially setting up a fascinating battle between two of the biggest names in Brazilian football.

Both players possess the quality to decide a derby with a single moment.

Neymar versus Memphis gives the match an additional global attraction beyond the traditional rivalry.

No new injury concern for Neymar

Perhaps the most reassuring element of the latest update is that Neymar’s absence from training was illness-related rather than a muscular or physical injury.

His successful return to the group indicates the issue has passed quickly.

Santos will still monitor him carefully given his recent workload, but there is currently no evidence of a fresh injury problem.

Cuca gets his biggest attacking weapon back

Cuca now has the player around whom much of Santos’ attacking structure is built.

Neymar remains the team’s most creative presence and the player most capable of changing games from open play or set pieces.

His return gives Santos greater control in possession, more creativity around the box and a constant threat from dead-ball situations.

For a team in need of a major result, his availability could not have come at a better time.

Final training removes major doubt

The story has changed dramatically in less than 24 hours.

On Friday, Neymar was absent with illness and his derby participation was uncertain.

By Saturday, he was back with the squad, completing the final session and making himself available for selection.

Reports now place him in Santos’ expected starting line-up.

Neymar ready for crucial Santos return

The biggest question before the final training session was whether Neymar would recover in time.

That question now appears to have been answered.

He has recovered from illness, returned to full training and is available for one of Santos’ biggest matches of the season.

For now, the latest situation is clear. Neymar is ready to face Corinthians and is expected to start as Santos look to their biggest star for a crucial derby response.