Cuca Makes Changes as Lucas Veríssimo Returns for Santos Against Vitória

Santos will field a reshaped lineup for Saturday’s clash against Vitória at 8 p.m. Brasília time in the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship, as coach Cuca deals with seven confirmed absences and is expected to change nearly every line of the team.

Defensively, center back Lucas Veríssimo is available again after serving a suspension in midweek. In attack, Rollheiser also returns as an option and is competing for a place in the starting XI. According to GE, Santos’ likely lineup is Diógenes; Adonis Frías (or Igor Vinícius), Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres and Escobar; Willian Arão and Oliva; Gabriel Bontempo, Miguelito (or Rollheiser) and Barreal; and Gabigol.

Santos’ absentees include several important names. Neymar is away with the Brazilian national team for World Cup duty and will not face the Bahia side. Goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão and midfielder Gustavinho are also unavailable because of suspension.

The club’s medical department continues to monitor Vinícius Lira, João Schmidt and Thaciano, all of whom remain in treatment and did not travel for the match. Midfielder Gabriel Menino is still in the physical transition phase on the pitch and is likewise not expected to be used.

The match comes at a critical moment for Santos, who are under pressure in the standings. The team has 18 points from 17 games and sits 17th, starting the round inside the relegation zone. A home win at Vila Belmiro is now a key objective as the club looks to move away from the bottom four.

With limited options, Cuca must use the Vitória match as a chance to reorganize the side and find a stronger balance. The returns of Lucas Veríssimo and Rollheiser could help Santos improve both defensively and in attack as the team searches for a much-needed result in front of its home supporters.