Santos are standing on the edge of the abyss, and in the middle of the worst sporting crisis in their modern history, their most influential figure has decided to go against all medical advice. Neymar, dealing with a tear in the meniscus area of his left knee, returned to training with the team despite specialists urging him to stop immediately and undergo arthroscopic surgery.

The situation is critical: the club is fully immersed in the battle against relegation, and the player, now an emotional and sporting leader, is trying to make it to the final three matches of the season at any cost.

His determination, however, comes with an obvious risk: according to Globo, “the knee could rupture with any strong impact.” But Neymar appears set on pushing his body to the limit to prevent the club that developed him from sinking into Serie B.

A Desperate Santos and a Neymar Willing to Sacrifice Himself

The team coached by Juan Pablo Vojvoda recently drew 1-1 with Internacional, an insufficient result that keeps them in the relegation zone with just 37 points. Vitória’s visit to Porto Alegre made things even worse, as the Salvador club escaped relegation with a 1-3 win, putting direct pressure on Santos in the standings.

Vojvoda admitted that the coaching staff’s intention is to have Neymar available for the decisive match against Sport Recife, a direct rival currently in last place. “He wants to be there. He always wants to be there. He is our leader on the field,” said the coach, aware that Neymar has been dealing with pain since the match against Mirassol and even played through discomfort before being ruled out.

Even so, Neymar returned to training on Wednesday, without contact drills and with heavy protection on his left knee. He did it knowing the medical recommendation calls for surgery, a procedure that would sideline him for a month and could even mark the end of his time at the club given his current contract situation.

Cruzeiro Push for the Title While Vitória and Santos Fight to Survive

While Santos fight for survival, Cruzeiro continue clinging to their dream of winning the Brazilian title. A brace from Kaio Jorge, the league’s top scorer with 21 goals, powered a solid 3-0 win over Corinthians, keeping hope alive in Belo Horizonte. The victory brought them within six points of leaders Flamengo, who beat Bragantino 3-0 to maintain their advantage.

At the bottom of the table, Vitória have revived their hopes thanks to their win over Sport Recife, climbing out of the relegation zone with 39 points. This ramps up the pressure on a Santos side that must take all three points to avoid falling back into danger.

The calendar offers no relief, and Santos are fighting for their life. Neymar knows it, which is why he is defying doctors to be on the pitch. His future, his health and the fate of the club are all at stake.