Cuca hails 'tanque cheio' Neymar e Gabigol after Santos edge Atlético-MG | OneFootball

Cuca praised Neymar Jr and Gabigol after Santos beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Vila Belmiro in the 11th round of the Brasileirão, highlighting the pair’s strong displays.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the coach felt both were with the tank full after missing the Sul-Americana opener in Ecuador. Neymar was held back for load management and had already served a suspension against Flamengo, while Gabigol underwent a PRP procedure.

Cuca judged this among their best physical and competitive outings of the season. He expects them to keep featuring, though not necessarily every Sunday and Wednesday for the full 90 minutes, with their workloads to be managed.

Asked about Neymar’s condition, Cuca said he saw improvement. It was only Neymar’s seventh match of the year, in which he has three assists and three goals, and although he was not involved in the winning move he left a positive impression.

With an eye on a possible World Cup call-up on 18 May, Neymar may have up to 10 more Santos games beforehand, comprising two in the Copa do Brasil against Coritiba, five in the Brasileirão against Fluminense, Bahia, Palmeiras, Bragantino and Coritiba, and three in the Sul-Americana against Recoleta twice and San Lorenzo.

Source: Diario Do Peixe