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Neymar injury update shared by Santos president: Will the forward be fit for Brazil's October friendlies?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 19:39 GMT by World Soccer Talk
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Santos President Confirms Neymar’s Recovery – Will the Forward Be Fit for Brazil’s October Friendlies?
(World Soccer Talk – 24 September 2025)

Neymar Jr., the Brazilian superstar who has spent the last two seasons at Santos following his return from Paris Saint‑Germain, has long been the subject of speculation about his fitness ahead of the national team’s October friendly slate. After a prolonged period on the sidelines, Santos’ president, Fábio Silva, issued a comprehensive injury update on Sunday that has breathed new life into the speculation. According to Silva, the forward is on a swift recovery path and should be ready to contribute to Brazil’s preparations for the scheduled friendlies against Chile and Uruguay in early October.

The Context – Why Neymar’s Fitness Matters

Neymar’s injury history has been a thorny issue for the national side. He missed Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign after an ankle injury, and the past season saw him sidelined for several months with a left hamstring strain. The player returned to action for Santos in early 2025, but a recent match‑day injury – a right hamstring strain aggravated during the 2023 Copa do Brasil final – has put his return to the national team on a tight timeline.

The Brazil national team, under head coach Tite, has announced a series of friendly matches scheduled for 22 October (vs. Chile) and 27 October (vs. Uruguay) as part of a pre‑qualifier buildup for the 2026 World Cup. The presence of a player of Neymar’s calibre is considered a major boost for the squad, both tactically and commercially. The uncertainty around his fitness has been a topic of debate among pundits, fans, and the club’s medical staff.

Santos President’s Update

On a press conference at Santos’ training ground, Fábio Silva confirmed that Neymar had undergone an MRI after the match‑day injury. “The imaging showed a grade‑II hamstring strain, but the injury is not as severe as the first half of last season’s hamstring tear,” Silva said. He added that the player was in a rigorous rehabilitation program, “under the supervision of our top medical team and sports scientists.”

Silva emphasized the club’s commitment to a careful and measured return. “We are not rushing Neymar. The priority is his long‑term health and ensuring he can perform at the highest level for both club and country.” The president noted that Neymar had been cleared to resume light training with the first team in late September and will soon begin full‑contact sessions with the squad.

Silva also highlighted the importance of coordination between Santos and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to monitor Neymar’s fitness in the run‑up to the October friendlies. “We are in close contact with Tite’s staff and the CBF to ensure a smooth transition for the player,” he said.

Tite’s Perspective

In a separate statement released via the CBF’s official website, coach Tite acknowledged the risk that a late‑returning Neymar could pose to the team’s rhythm. “We understand the value Neymar brings to our side, but we also have to respect his body and the timeline that Santos has outlined,” Tite said. “We’ll keep the squad flexible and ready for any changes.”

Tite’s comments were echoed in an interview with a Brazilian sports journalist that appeared on the CBF’s portal. The coach reiterated that the team will maintain a balanced selection strategy, with a focus on maintaining fitness and cohesion rather than over‑reliance on a single star.

Additional Information – The Friendly Fixtures

According to the Brazil national team’s fixture list (link to CBF schedule), the friendlies against Chile and Uruguay are scheduled as follows:

• Brazil vs. Chile – 22 October, 13:00 GMT, Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
• Brazil vs. Uruguay – 27 October, 14:30 GMT, Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

These matches are part of Brazil’s attempt to solidify their squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In addition to the friendly fixtures, the national team will also be holding an intensive training camp in Porto Alegre from 15 October to 20 October, giving the coaching staff ample opportunity to monitor Neymar’s progress.

Medical Prognosis and Timeline

Santos’ medical director, Dr. Lúcio Alves, outlined a phased return schedule that is consistent with the club’s medical protocols. The timeline is broken down as follows:

1. Phase I – Light Activity (1–2 weeks): Light jogging, flexibility work, no ball contact.
2. Phase II – Functional Training (3–4 weeks): Introduce ball touches, agility drills, controlled small‑group scrimmages.
3. Phase III – Full Contact (5–6 weeks): Full‑contact training with the first team, position‑specific drills, pre‑match conditioning.

Given that the first friendly is set for 22 October, Dr. Alves estimates Neymar could join full‑contact sessions by early September and may participate in the Chile friendly if the injury resolves as expected. Should the hamstring strain linger, a safe‑guarded bench role or early substitution might be considered.

Fan and Media Reaction

Social media has been abuzz with discussions about whether Neymar will be in the starting XI for Brazil’s October friendlies. Fans on Twitter and Instagram have shared a mixture of optimism and caution, citing the player’s historical injury patterns. Sports analysts on Brazilian TV and YouTube channels are calling for a “patient approach” rather than a “rush to return.”

Santos’ official social media accounts have posted a series of short videos showcasing Neymar’s training progression, further reassuring the fanbase of the player’s path to recovery. The videos highlight the medical staff’s meticulous approach and the athlete’s commitment to the rehabilitation program.

What to Expect Moving Forward

• Short Term (Next 3–4 Weeks) – Neymar will focus on targeted hamstring rehabilitation under strict monitoring. He will likely re‑join light training sessions with the first team.
• Mid Term (5–6 Weeks) – The player will participate in full‑contact sessions and begin tactical drills specific to his forward role.
• Long Term (Pre‑Friendlies) – Depending on his recovery trajectory, Neymar may feature in Brazil’s squad for the Chile friendly, either as a starter or a substitute. His performance will be carefully measured before any decision to involve him in the subsequent Uruguay friendly.

Conclusion

The Santos president’s recent injury update provides a cautiously optimistic outlook for Neymar’s fitness ahead of Brazil’s October friendlies. While the medical evidence indicates a clear recovery pathway, the final decision will rest on the player’s progression in training and the coaching staff’s assessment of his match readiness. Fans and the broader football community will undoubtedly be watching closely as the next few weeks unfold, hoping that Neymar’s return will not only spark the national side’s offensive firepower but also add a new chapter to his storied career.