Neymar’s Santos return likely delayed by synthetic pitch | OneFootball

Neymar’s Santos comeback is likely to wait until Sunday at Vila Belmiro against Velo Clube, the final round of the Paulista group stage. He is likely to be rested for Thursday’s third round trip to Athletico because of the synthetic surface at Arena da Baixada.

According to Globo.com, the call sits with the player’s personal staff and is largely settled. Final confirmation is due on Tuesday when the squad reconvenes after Monday’s day off following the win over Noroeste.

Neymar has not played since 7 December, against Cruzeiro on the final day of the 2025 Brasileirão, after which he had surgery on his left knee. He could get a few minutes on Sunday as Santos chase a place in the Paulista quarter-finals.

Gabigol may also miss Thursday for the same reason, having been left out of the trip to Chapecó, where Santos lost to Chapecoense on the league’s opening day, due to a synthetic pitch. The number nine, a critic of artificial surfaces, will be assessed in the coming days to decide if he travels.

A short pre-season and a busy schedule are prompting caution from the coaching and medical staff. Santos are rotating the starters to keep players in good condition, and have already lost Thaciano to injury, while Willian Arão is sidelined after surgery for a kidney stone.

Source: Globo.com