Santos not rushing Neymar's return after surgery

Santos head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda says the club will not rush Neymar back into action after his knee operation, though he is encouraged by the Brazilian's progress.

Neymar played the end of last season with a damaged meniscus to help Santos avoid relegation, and following the conclusion of the campaign, he underwent surgery on his left knee to repair it.

The 34-year-old has returned to training this week, with some reports suggesting he could feature on Sunday at Noroeste.

However, Vojvoda believes it is too soon for Neymar to get back on the pitch, despite the positive signs.

"He's already back with the group. But a player like him, who is preparing for important goals, needs to be in good shape to return," Vojvoda said.

"He is fully dedicated so that, when he steps onto the pitch again, he can perform as everyone expects him to. He wants the World Cup. He needs to train, to fight one-on-one in training.

"He's a human being. We're not going to rush him. I'm the first one who needs him, his team-mates, too. But we want him to be well.

"When he's healthy, he makes an important difference like no one else can."

Neymar extended his contract with Santos to the end of 2026 in January, having returned to his boyhood club at the start of 2025.

He scored eight goals in 20 appearances, including a hat-trick against Juventude in the run-in, to help Santos beat the drop.

Neymar is bidding to return to Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup, having gone two years without representing his nation due to injuries.