Ganso hopeful of Libertadores comeback

Santos star Ganso wants to play in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against Corinthians, as he resumes training following a knee injury.

The playmaker was ruled out of Brazil’s international friendlies against Denmark, United States, Mexico and Argentina after opting to undergo minor surgery on a complaint in his right knee.

The operation had put in serious doubt his presence for the continental clash, in which Santos will face off against their Paulista rivals for a place in the final.

Globoesporte have reported, however, that Ganso trained alongside his companions on Saturday and has an outside chance of being declared fit for the first leg, which is scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Ganso said it would be a dream to return and help Santos aim for a second successive Libertadores final.

“Playing is not impossible, so I am trying as hard as I can to recover and make it at 100 per cent,” he said.

“My desire to play is at 1000 percent, a game like this is one for the history books. That is it, the number 10 always likes to take responsibility at these times, scoring, passing and giving everything on the pitch.”

Santos are the Libertadores holders, having defeated Penarol 2-1 on aggregate in the 2011 final to lift their first Copa in 48 years.