Alfredo Morelos has been put on a strict diet to get in shape for Brazil's biggest derby game this weekend.

The former Rangers striker moved to Pele's old club last month after being available on a free all summer after leaving Rangers at the end of last season.

Santos have never been relegated in their history, but are in the drop zone in Brazil's Serie A. They face rivals Palmeiras this weekend in the Classico da Saudade which was first played 107 years ago and features two clubs with 19 league titles between them.

Morelos has so far played just 13 minutes for his new club, who almost immediately sacked their manager. It was his first appearance on a pitch for three months since saying his farewells to Rangers.

And Santos football coordinator, Alexandre Gallo, has admitted Morelos needed work after arriving in South America.

He said: "When he arrived, Alfredo was not in top physical condition because he had been inactive for a few months."

And reports in Brazil have revealed Santos placed him on an intensive training regime aimed at 'reducing his weight and fat percentage in a short time.'

The club are said to be delighted at Morelos' results and he is in line to start his first game for Santos trip to Arena Barueri in Sao Paulo to face Palmeiras on Sunday.