Santos unsure if Neymar will face Palmeiras on Wednesday | OneFootball

Santos remain unsure whether Neymar will be available for Wednesday's Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg at Palmeiras. According to Diario Do Peixe, Cuca said a decision will come only after a fresh assessment when the squad report back following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Mirassol.

At Vila Belmiro, Neymar created Santos' equaliser in the second half, releasing Barreal to finish first time into the top corner for 1-1.

Cuca underlined that the No 10 is central to his approach, insisting Neymar must drop to dictate play as the team's creator and supply the runs of Rony and Gabi.

He added Neymar could also operate closer to goal at times, which would depend on discussions with the player and on the plan for each match. The coach indicated he may vary shape during games, balancing technical quality on one side with pace on the other and looking to exploit spaces when Reinaldo pushes on.

Cuca argued the display against Mirassol should not be dismissed despite the result and said the same group can deliver in the two derbies ahead. He accepted Palmeiras are favourites at home, as league leaders with a large, quality squad, and said Santos would do the best possible within their proposal. The first leg is on Wednesday at 21:30, Brasília time, at Nubank Parque, with Corinthians to follow on Sunday 30 at 16:00 at Neo Química Arena. Neymar has yet to play on the synthetic pitch at Nubank Parque.

Source: Diario Do Peixe

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