Cuca plays down reaction, laments Neymar booking as Santos beat Remo 2-0 | OneFootball

Neymar was decisive as Santos beat Remo 2-0 at Vila Belmiro in the ninth round of the Brasileirão, assisting the opener and helping the second, but a booking for dissent rules him out of Sunday’s trip to Flamengo.

According to Globo.com, referee Savio Pereira Sampaio cautioned him after protests over challenges from Diego Hernández.

Cuca played down the reaction, saying Neymar had been prodded from behind and might have cooled off, but the referee took a different view. He felt the card need not have been shown and admitted it would have been a big game for the forward, though it remains important for the team.

The coach regretted losing Neymar, noted the flare-up happened beside him, and underlined the No 10’s influence, highlighting two flashes that sent team-mates through on goal.

The plan had been for Neymar to face Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro, then sit out the trip to Ecuador, with Santos opening the Copa Sudamericana against Deportivo Cuenca on 8. With the ban, plans could change, but the staff will prioritise his fitness and are not likely to force his involvement.

Cuca said the issue will be discussed on Friday, adding Neymar took a knock early and was treated afterwards. He flagged a run against Atlético-MG, Coritiba and the Sudamericana, four games in succession, and said they will manage him carefully. Neymar completed 90 minutes and has 12 matches before the final World Cup squad announcement on 18 May.

Source: Globo.com