Cuca Weighs Neymar's Availability for Palmeiras Match on Controversial Turf

Santos head coach Cuca says he still has not decided whether Neymar will face Palmeiras on the controversial artificial pitch at Allianz Parque, insisting the call will only be made after talks with the squad.

Speaking about the forward’s status and the team’s condition before what he called a “very tough” away trip, Cuca told ESPN Brazil he was in no rush to commit.

“I don't have an answer to that yet, but tomorrow when we report back, we'll see how the whole squad is doing,” he said. “I'm going to talk to him tomorrow and with the entire squad so we can decide what to do.

“The match against Palmeiras is going to be very tough; they are a very good side, and it's impossible to deny they are the favourites. But we'll work hard to do our best on Wednesday.”

The dilemma is clear. Neymar does not want to play on synthetic turf.

His reluctance dates back to an ankle sprain suffered against Atletico Mineiro, after which he unloaded on social media, writing: “It's proven, synthetic is absolute s***.”

That anger has not cooled.

After Santos’ 2-1 Copa Sudamericana win over Macara, Neymar was asked in the mixed zone about the looming clash with Palmeiras. He brushed it off.

“Man, are you already thinking about that? Calm down, there's a game on Sunday,” he replied. “I don't know [if I'll play on synthetic turf].”

The uncertainty matches what he has said before about Allianz Parque.

“Playing at Allianz, for me, is impossible,” Neymar previously stated. “Playing on a 7-a-side surface is something that bothers any player, regardless of injuries. Morumbi is very good, and I feel better there. I feel good on that pitch.”

So Cuca heads into one of Santos’ sternest tests of the season with his star man openly hostile to the venue. The coach wants one more day, one more conversation, before he makes the call that could shape Santos’ night in Sao Paulo.