Neymar thanks Santos after World Cup call-up, to miss San Lorenzo clash with calf oedema | OneFootball

One day after being called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s World Cup squad, Neymar received treatment on his right calf at Santos’ CT Rei Pelé and thanked staff and team-mates during Tuesday’s session. According to Globo.com, he addressed the group before training began.

Nursing calf oedema, the forward stayed with physiotherapists throughout and will miss Wednesday’s Copa Sul-Americana match against San Lorenzo at Vila Belmiro.

In his remarks, he said he felt at home at the club, credited his selection to everyone around him and highlighted their backing on and off the pitch. He added that he had cried for hours and that seeing his name announced made the effort worthwhile.

He also shared a slice of João Schmidt’s birthday cake, the midfielder turning 33 on Tuesday.

On the pitch, without Neymar, the side completed final tweaks for the decisive group game. A possible XI is Gabriel Brazão, Igor Vinícius, Adonis Frías, Lucas Veríssimo, Escobar, Willian Arão, Christian Oliva, Gabriel Bontempo, Rollheiser, Barreal and Gabigol.

Santos need a home win to retain strong hopes of a direct place in the last 16, with only group winners advancing. Runners-up will face the Conmebol Libertadores third-placed teams in a play-off staged soon after the World Cup.

Santos have three points and sit bottom, while San Lorenzo lead the group with six.

Source: Globo.com