Santos travel without Neymar but have Gabigol for Palmeiras derby | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Santos will face Palmeiras on Saturday at 18:30 Brasília time in São Paulo for matchday 14 of the Brasileirão without Neymar, who will be rested because of the synthetic pitch and workload management ahead of a busy spell and the Brazil squad announcement on 18 May.

The plan is to keep him fresh for matches against Recoleta-PAR in the Copa Sudamericana, the Copa do Brasil decider with Coritiba, plus two further league games. Sitting out this derby gives him a few extra days of recovery before that run.

In contrast, Gabriel Barbosa, Gabigol, is available to Cuca for the derby despite previously stating his dislike of synthetic turf. He has no pain or restrictions and is expected to start.

Gabriel Menino and Gustavo Henrique remain sidelined with right and left thigh muscle injuries respectively. Zé Rafael travels with the group after overcoming right thigh pain.

A probable Santos XI is Gabriel Brazão, Igor Vinicius (Mayke), Lucas Veríssimo, Luan Peres, Escobar, Oliva, João Schmidt (Arão), Gabriel Bontempo, Rollheiser, Gabigol, Barreal. Late on, Cuca lost Thaciano with a left adductor oedema and Lautaro with right thigh pain, neither travelled.

Source: Globo.com