JAKARTA - Santos coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda is optimistic about Neymar's progress after his knee surgery in December 2025, but will not rush him to play.
Neymar, who turns 34 on Thursday, February 5, 2026, returned to training this week after being out since December 22, 2025 when he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair a torn meniscus.
Amid reports that Neymar could play on Sunday, February 9, 2026, against Club Noroeste in the Campeonato Paulista, Vojvoda said he did not want to force the striker to graze.
"He's back with the group. However, a player like him, who is preparing for an important goal, needs to be in top condition to return to play."
"He's fully dedicated so that when he steps on the pitch again, he can perform like everyone expects."
"He wants the 2026 World Cup. He needs to train, fight one-on-one in training. He's a human being. We're not going to rush him back."
"I was the first to need it, as were his teammates. However, we want him to be healthy. When he is healthy, he makes an important difference that no one else can do," said Vojvoda.
Neymar, who helped Santos avoid relegation last season, is focused on earning a place in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The injury has prevented the country's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals from playing for Brazil since October 2023.
Brazil striker Gabriel Barbosa 'Gabigol', who joined Santos on loan from Cruzeiro last month, wants to take some of the pressure off Neymar.
"I don't see him as a savior of the nation. If that's the case, other teams would never lose because they have great players."
"He's just another player, a very important player, an idol of the group and the captain. He has great leadership."
"We hope to help him so that he is not overwhelmed and can enjoy himself. We hope he comes back 100 percent, without pressure, calmly, to help Santos and the Brazilian National Team," said Gabigol.
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