Neymar and Gabigol to miss Santos trip to Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Santos will be without Neymar and Gabigol for Sunday’s trip to Cruzeiro at 16:00 at the Mineirão in the eighth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Coach Cuca has confirmed both are out.

According to Diario Do Peixe, Neymar’s absence is for workload management after two straight appearances. The coaching staff and medical department agreed he should not play a third match in seven days to reduce injury risk.

It is the second time in recent rounds that the club have rested him. The decision reflects caution as he builds minutes following his return.

Gabigol is unavailable due to a contractual clause. On loan from Cruzeiro, he cannot face the Minas Gerais club under any circumstances.

He is in strong form, with seven goals and two assists in 12 games this season for Santos. Neymar has five appearances since rejoining, contributing three goals and two assists.

Lautaro Díaz will also miss out as he is tied to Cruzeiro. Santos would need to pay a fee of about R$ 1 million to field him, and will not do so.

Source: Diario Do Peixe