Neymar to sit out Palmeiras trip as Santos plan changes | OneFootball

Neymar, the No 10, will miss Santos’ trip to Palmeiras on Saturday at 18:30 at Allianz Parque in the 14th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. He is being rested due to physical fatigue, particularly given the synthetic pitch, Diario Do Peixe reports.

The decision also reflects a crowded schedule in the coming weeks, with games in the Copa Sul-Americana, Copa do Brasil and the Brasileiro, and the Brazil squad announcement on 18 May. The forward will therefore have a longer recovery window before the next fixtures.

Gabriel Barbosa has no physical limitations and is expected to start the derby, despite previously stating he prefers to play on natural grass.

Santos are expected to line up with Gabriel Brazão, Igor Vinícius, Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Escobar, Christian Oliva, João Schmidt, Gabriel Bontempo, Rollheiser, Gabigol and Barreal.

Head coach Cuca has further absences. Thaciano has been ruled out with oedema in the left adductor, and Lautaro Díaz remains sidelined by pain in his right thigh. Both did not travel with the squad.

Gabriel Menino and Gustavo Henrique continue treatment for muscular injuries and stay out, while Zé Rafael has recovered from right thigh pain and travels with the group, so could be an option.

Source: Diario Do Peixe