Neymar expected to play Santos’ next four matches before 18 May Brazil call-up | OneFootball

Neymar is expected to play Santos’ next four matches, the last before Brazil’s World Cup call-up, amid uncertainty and pessimism over his participation.

According to Globo.com, he was rested against Palmeiras on Saturday because of the synthetic surface and is now set to try to convince Carlo Ancelotti with this final run. The squad announcement is scheduled for 18 May.

The sequence starts on Tuesday against Deportivo Recoleta in Paraguay, a fourth-round Copa Sudamericana tie. Santos travel on Monday to Pedro Juan Caballero. Victory is essential to keep qualification hopes alive.

At the weekend they face Red Bull Bragantino on the 10th. Although not eliminatory, it is crucial to pull clear of the lower reaches of the Brasileirão and stave off a crisis.

Midweek brings Coritiba in the Copa do Brasil, the second leg of the fifth phase after a 0-0 first leg at Vila Belmiro. The return is at Couto Pereira in Curitiba, with a last-16 place at stake.

The final outing before Ancelotti names his list is on the 17th, again against Coritiba at Vila Belmiro, in the 16th round of the Brasileirão.

During Sunday’s session at CT Rei Pelé for reserves and non-selected players, Neymar argued with Robinho Jr and even tripped the youngster, to whom he is considered a godfather figure at the club. The pair reconciled the same day and the matter is regarded as closed as Santos focus on the next two weeks.

Source: Globo.com