BAdvertising news continues to push Neymar into a corner. After being left out by manager Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s friendlies against Croatia and France on March 26 and 31, Santos’ new manager did not call him up for Round 8 of the Brazilian Serie A Championship against Cruzeiro.
Cuca, who has now returned to the club and is starting his fourth stint there, will make his managerial debut without wearing the number 10 on the field, and he has explained why.
Neymar absent due to Santos’ visit to Cruzeiro
The Brazilian star has played in five games since returning from revision surgery on his left knee, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Recently, he missed the game against Mirasol due to muscle strain due to excessive fatigue during training, and although he played in the games against Corinthians and Internacional, he was absent from the game against Cruzeiro.
Cuca, the team’s new manager following the sacking of Juan Pablo Vojvoda, admitted Ney was not in optimal condition to play, saying there was a “risk of injury due to workload management”.
Kuka further revealed that the decision was taken in consultation with the 34-year-old and that he had personally discussed his complex health situation. “I spoke to him separately. He will not play on Sunday because he has played two games in a row. We cannot take that risk,” he explained (via Orr).
However, Neymar will be absent from this match, as coach Carlet did not include him in the list of players to travel to the United States for the two pre-tournament friendlies due to poor health, leaving Neymar with just 16 games left before the World Cup, where he will have to prove on the field that he can play in his final tournament with Verde Amarera.
It is very doubtful whether he will play in all these matches as he needs to recover to 100%, but at the same time his absence could damage him as the number 10 needs to perform well and also needs stability to be considered by the Italian manager.
On the other hand, his presence will not depend on Ancelotti’s decision, but will depend entirely on his performance and fitness.
