Neymar’s synthetic pitch stance tested by Santos tie at Palmeiras in Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Santos face a Neymar dilemma after the Copa do Brasil quarter-final draw, with the first leg at Palmeiras’s Nubank Parque, a synthetic surface he has rejected. According to Globo.com, his stance leaves the club weighing options for the tie.

Since returning to Santos, he has played on artificial turf only once, the 1-1 draw at Atlético-MG’s Arena MRV last year, when he twisted his ankle early but continued.

His camp also vetoed renting Palmeiras’s ground for a prior home date in the capital after the clubs had neared agreement.

If this were a Brasileirão fixture, there would be a strong chance he sat out even if fit. The World Cup previously hardened that stance, but with his contract nearing its end and the club needing points and prize money, he could feature in the first leg.

His involvement on 26 September is not yet certain. Santos first face Marcará of Ecuador in Copa Sudamericana last 16 this Thursday and next, then Vasco away at the weekend for round 23 and Mirassol at Vila Belmiro in round 24.

Given the need to move away from the relegation zone, it is probable Neymar features in both league matches.

Last year he joined a players’ protest against synthetic pitches in Brazil, calling them five-a-side and criticising Atlético-MG’s ground. After a Morumbi match in August, he said playing at Palmeiras’s stadium was impossible for him and that he felt better at São Paulo’s ground.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”