Santos President Marcelo Teixeira shared a cautious but optimistic forecast for the return of team leader Neymar to the field.

According to the official, the 33-year forward, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on the 22nd, is gradually approaching his return, but the club is in no hurry to return.

“I can’t remember that he is already playing against Sao Paulo - there is no exact date. I follow your work, and you are welcome to pass. There is no specific way to turn the term around, but I believe that it will become a mistake. The update process is planned to be more active in printing. We are working on this so that we can turn Neymar not just like a bad guy, but at the right moment, so he can be in the ranks throughout this season,” Teixeira is quoted as saying by Goal.

Neymar's turnaround is key for Santos. At the start of 2026, the team played four matches without their leader, achieving only one victory, and now occupied 11th place in the tournament table of the Paulista Championship.

In the meantime, Neymar is training with an individual program at the club's base. Previously, the head coach of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti, also assessed the prospects for the striker’s participation in the upcoming world championship.