Santos fans hoping to see Neymar light up the continental stage will have to wait a little longer. Following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo, Santos head coach Cuca officially confirmed that the superstar forward will not be available for the club’s upcoming Copa Sudamericana debut.
The Peixe attacker is set to miss the crucial clash against Ecuadorian side Deportivo Cuenca on Wednesday, April 8. During his post-match press conference, Cuca provided clarity on the situation, revealing that the decision was strictly a “medical matter.”
Recent Knee Procedure Sidelines Neymar
Addressing the media, Cuca detailed the physical setbacks that have kept the 34-year-old off the pitch. “Regarding Neymar, what happened was that during the break, he underwent a procedure on his knee. He didn’t train and spent four or five days recovering,” the head coach explained.
Although Neymar was included in the squad for the recent match against Remo, he did not see any playing time as the club prioritizes his long-term fitness. “He has been working to get back into shape. He joined us for the Remo match, didn’t play, and is working on his fitness, which he will continue to do this week,” Cuca stated.
Intensive Training Regime Over Travel
Rather than traveling to Ecuador for the Copa Sudamericana fixture, Santos’ medical and coaching staff have opted to keep Neymar at the club’s training facilities. The focus remains heavily on rebuilding his match sharpness and ensuring his knee is fully healed before returning to competitive action.
“He is not traveling specifically because of the specialized strength, speed, and endurance training he is currently undergoing. He is training in double sessions,” Cuca added.
For Neymar, whose recent return to Brazilian football has been closely scrutinized, this specialized conditioning block is essential. Santos will be hoping their talisman can make a swift and impactful return as they navigate the rigorous demands of both domestic and continental competitions this season.
