santos forward Neymar is in a race against time as the club implements a detailed “Plano Copa” to get him fit for the World Cup, with a key match scheduled this Thursday at Vila Belmiro and a final national-team call expected by May 18 ET. The 34-year-old, recovering from recent injuries and a meniscus problem at the end of 2025, has been on a controlled load program since he last played on March 18. The plan aims to balance minutes, travel and recovery so the player reaches the selection window in optimal condition.
Santos’ Plano Copa and match management
The club has mapped a marathon of fixtures: 14 matches up to the expected final national-team call on May 18 ET. The Santos medical department set a target that Neymar will appear in roughly half of those games, limiting him to about seven to ten matches at most, and capping appearances to no more than two matches for every three played by the squad. Long-haul away trips and high-altitude fixtures are singled out for avoidance; a match in Ecuador against Deportivo Cuenca is described as unlikely for the attacker because of travel strain and altitude impacts, while matches at Vila Belmiro are prioritized to reduce fatigue from travel.
Since his last game on March 18, when he scored in the loss to Internacional, Neymar has followed a specific treatment regimen focused on load management, muscular reinforcement and regenerative therapy. Cuca freed players after a 0-0 draw against Cruzeiro on Sunday, but Neymar continued with targeted strength work rather than returning to full training immediately. In weeks with tight sequences, the club plans to rest him in at least one match to protect recovery and the broader World Cup objective.
Immediate reactions from key figures
Neymar, forward, Santos, described the decision to sit out one match as medically driven: “After the game [against Inter] I was feeling my leg heavy. The doctor thought it better not to play to avoid risk and I agreed. ” He added, “When I’m on the field I always want to give my maximum, I can’t spare myself, ” a trait the medical staff says necessitates strict external control.
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach, Brazil national team, explained his recent selection choices by stressing fitness: “Why didn’t I call him in this call-up? Because he’s not 100% and I need players 100%. ” Ancelotti left open the possibility that Neymar can still be part of the World Cup if fitness targets are met.
Quick context
Neymar suffered a meniscus injury at the end of 2025 and finished the final phase of the domestic season playing through limitations, training mainly in the gym and only joining on-field sessions on match eves. Santos is juggling three competitions in the lead-up—Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil and Copa Sul-Americana—averaging about one game every four days.
What’s next
All eyes turn to Thursday’s game against Remo at Vila Belmiro, where the presence of Neymar is described as likely but not guaranteed; the club will decide appearances based on the tight rotation plan and ongoing recovery progress. Over the next weeks, santos will monitor minutes, avoid taxing travel when possible and await the Brazil national team’s final decision on May 18 ET, with coaches and medical staff poised to adjust the plan as match rhythms and the player’s response to therapy evolve.
