The 26-year old midfielder returns to Laranjeiras for the third time after previously playing for Flu in 2007-2008 and again in 2009.
Thiago Neves will be competing with the likes of Deco, Wagner, Edinho, Jean, Lanzini and Diguinho for a place in the Fluminense midfield.
”He will have to fight for his place in the team,” Braga said.
”He is starting late compared to the other players, about fifty days later than the group.”
”He hasn’t had any pre-season and we’ve prepared a special programme for him. I already know he is a lightweight player and he doesn’t get fat easily.”
Meanwhile, the Tricolor coach doesn’t expect Neves be fully fit in time for Flu’s first game in the Libertadores – against either Arsenal (ARG) or Sport Huancayo (PER) on the 8th February.
”I think it will be difficult for him to be able to play the first game in the Libertadores but let’s see his reaction,” Braga said.
