On Sunday (9) at Neo Química Arena, Santos lost 2-1 to Corinthians in the Campeonato Paulista semi-final, with Neymar sitting on the bench.
Neymar missed recent practices
The star forward was sidelined owing to persistent soreness in his left thigh, which he sustained during the victory over Red Bull Bragantino. He missed recent practice sessions and was replaced by Thaciano in the starting lineup. While it was expected that Pedro Caixinha would bring him on in the second half, this did not happen. After the game, Santos’s coach explained his decision not to wear the number 10 in the derby.
“Neymar was uncomfortable, and we all agreed he didn’t need to participate. It’s a little issue. I asked him to continue with the team even though he wouldn’t be available since he’s a unique player with great enthusiasm. During a press conference, he was quite upset about missing the match,” the coach stated.
Santos’s starting lineup was Gabriel Brazão, JP Chermont, Gil, Zé Ivaldo, and Escobar; João Schmidt, Gabriel Bontempo, Thaciano, Soteldo, and Guilherme; and Tiquinho Soares.
Corinthians fielded their strongest squad for a crucial CONMEBOL Libertadores match against Barcelona-EQU on Wednesday (12), starting with Hugo Souza, Matheuzinho, Félix Torres, Gustavo Henrique, and Fabrizio Angileri; José Martínez, Raniele, André Carrillo, and Rodrigo Garro; and Memphis Depay and Yuri Alberto.
Corinthians’ upcoming matches:
- Barcelona-EQU (H) – March 12, 9:30 PM (Brasília time) | CONMEBOL Libertadores | Broadcast: Disney+
- Bahia (A) – March 29, 6:30 PM (Brasília time) | Brazilian Championship
- Vasco (H) – April 5, Time TBD | Brazilian Championship
Santos’ upcoming matches:
- Vasco (A) – March 30, 6:30 PM (Brasília time) | Brazilian Championship
- Bahia (H) – April 5, Time TBD | Brazilian Championship
- Fluminense (A) – April 12, Time TBD | Brazilian Championship
Neymar was unable to play in the Corinthians vs. Santos semi-final owing to soreness in his left thigh caused by a prior encounter. Despite anticipation that he would return in the second half, coach Pedro Caixinha elected to keep him on the bench to prioritize his recuperation. Neymar’s enthusiasm and presence were felt off the field while he remained with the club, but the decision to hold him back was eventually taken for his long-term health.
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