Neymar non-committal on Santos appearance at Palmeiras’ synthetic pitch | OneFootball

Neymar remains non-committal about featuring for Santos on the synthetic surface at Nubank Parque on 26 August, the Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg. He spoke after Thursday's Copa Sudamericana win over Macará in Vila Belmiro, where he delivered two assists.

He played down the subject when asked in the mixed zone. According to Globo.com, he batted away a question about the Palmeiras tie rather than commit to an answer.

Before that clássico, Santos have three games: Vasco away on Sunday in the 23rd round, Macará in Ambato next Thursday to decide Sudamericana progress, then Mirassol at home in the league.

It is unclear which of those Neymar will play, or whether he will then be in ideal shape to face Palmeiras away. Indications are he could miss the Ecuador trip.

Since returning, he has played only once on artificial turf, a 1-1 draw with Atlético-MG at Arena MRV last year, when he twisted an ankle early but stayed on.

His entourage have previously vetoed hiring the Palmeiras ground after both boards had moved towards Santos hosting there. If this were a Brasileiro match, there would be a strong chance he would sit out even if fit.

Last year he joined players criticising synthetic pitches in Brazil, likening them to five-a-side and saying they bother footballers regardless of injuries. He also criticised Atlético-MG's stadium, said playing at Palmeiras' ground was impossible for him, and preferred Morumbi, where he felt better.

Source: Globo.com

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