Neymar uncertain for Santos' Copa do Brasil clash vs Palmeiras over synthetic pitch concerns
Neymar has cast doubt on his availability for the upcoming Copa do Brasil quarter-final against Palmeiras, citing his strong opposition to playing on artificial turf.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: Renan Katayama
Santos superstar Neymar has cast doubt on his availability for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter-final against Palmeiras, scheduled for August 26. The forward's hesitation stems from his well-documented opposition to artificial turf surfaces.
Following his match-winning performance in the Copa Sudamericana midweek, reporters questioned Neymar about his participation in the upcoming fixture at Allianz Parque. The veteran attacker was non-committal, stating, "I don't know if I'll play on synthetic turf."
Neymar's reluctance is rooted in past experiences, specifically a match against Atletico Mineiro where he suffered an ankle injury on a similar artificial surface. He has previously been vocal about his dislike for such pitches, describing them as unsuitable for professional play and comparing playing on them to a small-sided game.
Despite these concerns, Neymar remains in excellent form. During the recent clash against Macara, he displayed no significant issues, orchestrating a comeback victory despite managing lingering ankle and knee discomfort. He was a constant threat, forcing several saves and setting up key goals.
Santos face a demanding schedule ahead of the clash, with league fixtures and the return leg in Ecuador to navigate before the Copa do Brasil showdown.