Lucas Moura nears return to São Paulo after Achilles injury

São Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura is approaching a return to competitive play following a severe Achilles tendon rupture sustained on May 3 during a match against Bahia. Although initial expectations suggested he would only return next season, his recovery has progressed faster than anticipated.

The player has begun training on the field without restrictions and has recently transitioned to ball work and match-specific stimuli. To prepare for a potential return, the club's technical staff has scheduled a decisive test involving a collective training session with youth players to evaluate his physical response to match conditions.

If the evaluation is successful, Moura may be available for the upcoming match against Vitória at the Morumbis stadium. The 33-year-old has faced several physical challenges this year, including fractured ribs in March, and is currently under contract with the club until the end of the year.