Neymar Included in Santos Squad for Copa do Brasil Quarter-Final Against Palmeiras Despite Synthetic Turf Issues

Neymar has been confirmed in the squad for Santos ahead of their Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg clash with rivals Palmeiras. This decision comes despite ongoing worries about the synthetic pitch at Nubank Parque, a surface Neymar has long criticized due to past ankle troubles.

Squad Announcement Ends Doubts

After much speculation, Santos officially included Neymar in their traveling group for Wednesday's match at Nubank Parque. The 34-year-old's involvement had been uncertain following Santos' 1-1 draw with Mirassol over the weekend, as concerns lingered about his fitness on artificial turf.

Coach Cuca Weighs In on Neymar's Fitness

Head coach Cuca emphasized that the final call regarding Neymar’s participation would be a joint decision involving the entire technical staff. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, he said, "I will talk to him and we will make our decisions. With him and the entire squad. We'll determine what is best to do."

Neymar's History With Artificial Turf

The forward has openly expressed frustration with synthetic pitches after injuring his ankle during a match against Atletico Mineiro last year. On social media, Neymar was blunt: "It's proven, synthetic is absolute s***." When asked about playing on the artificial surface at Palmeiras, he responded cautiously: "Man, are you already thinking about that? Calm down, there's a game on Sunday. I don't know if I'll play on synthetic turf."

He has described Allianz Parque as a difficult venue for players due to its artificial nature, comparing it unfavorably to other stadiums like Morumbi, where he feels more comfortable.

Growing Opposition to Synthetic Turf in Brazil

Resistance to artificial grass is increasing among Brazilian footballers. Neymar joins prominent names such as Lucas Moura, Gabigol, and Thiago Silva in speaking out against this trend. He once said, "It is absurd that we have to discuss synthetic grass on our pitches."

Several major Brazilian stadiums still use artificial surfaces, including Ligga Arena, Nilton Santos, Arena MRV, Arena Conda, and Pacaembu in São Paulo.

Santos Face a Grueling Schedule

The team faces a tough run of fixtures, traveling next to play Corinthians in the Campeonato Brasileiro before returning home to host Palmeiras for the second leg of the cup tie on September 2. Coach Cuca plans to manage Neymar’s workload carefully, aiming to keep him in top shape for this critical period.

• Match: Palmeiras vs Santos (Copa do Brasil Quarter-Final First Leg)
• Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
• Location: Nubank Parque
• Upcoming Matches: Santos vs Corinthians (Campeonato Brasileiro), September 2 – return leg vs Palmeiras (Vila Belmiro)