David Braz suffered an injury to the adductor muscle of his left thigh in the Copa do Brasil final last year after stretching to prevent a shot from Gabriel Jesus.
With only three defenders available in the main squad [Gustavo Henrique, Lucas Veríssimo and Paulo Ricardo], coach Dorival Júnior looks forward to the return of David Braz, who"s in the final stages of his recovery. The player, who has been performing physical work in two periods at the club"s training centre, should be available for the fixture at Palmeiras" Allianz Parque on February 20, in the 5th round of the Campeonato Paulista. He has been released by the medical department and now makes his own preseason after missing the first training sessions with the rest of the group in 2016. The expectation is that the defender would start training with the ball this week, from Tuesday.
Even with Braz returning, and Dorival praising the current starting duo of Gustavo Henrique and Lucas Veríssimo, Santos are looking for a new central defender, but finds difficulties in the market. Oliver Benítez of Gimnasia Esgrima y La Plata was linked with move, and 22-year-old Diego Silva, who came from Náutico to Santos" B-team, should get opportunities under Dorival soon.