Neymar, di Brazilian star, bin no show for Santos training on Sunday at CT Rei Pele because of viral infection wey catch am on Saturday night. Di forward don dey respond well to medication, but still miss di session as di team dey prepare for dia continental match.
Despite di setback, Neymar don make di squad wey go travel to Argentina for Tuesday’s Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo. Di club medical staff dey monitor am, and e go join di team for Buenos Aires along with Gabriel Brazao, Igor Vinicius, Willian Arao, and Gabriel Barbosa.
Santos coaching staff bin rest Neymar for di recent game against Bahia after e don play four full matches straight. Now dem expect am to return to di starting line-up for di continental competition. E fit also feature from di bench for Saturday’s Brasileirao derby against Palmeiras for Allianz Parque.
San Lorenzo, wey dey top of Group D with four points, go host Santos at Nuevo Gasometro. Di Argentine side dey in strong form after beating Platense 1-0 for Torneo Apertura. Dem get home advantage and solid defensive organisation, but Santos get attacking quality with Neymar fit to play.
Santos dey bottom of di group with just one point from two matches. Dem open dia campaign with defeat to Deportivo Cuenca before 1-1 draw with Recoleta. Dia domestic form also dey worry, as dem throw away two-goal lead for 2-2 draw against Bahia. Coach Cuca don see flashes of attacking quality, but di team dey struggle to convert chances and maintain control.
San Lorenzo go miss Gaston Hernandez and Ezequiel Cerutti due to long-term ligament injuries. But Jhohan Romana and Agustin Tripichio dey in excellent form. For Santos, Vinicius Lira remain out with serious injury, Gabriel Menino no fully fit, and Gustavo Henrique doubtful. But Neymar and Gabriel Barbosa dey available after being rested.
Di match go be decisive for both sides. San Lorenzo dey aim to tighten grip on top spot, while Santos need points to keep qualification hopes alive. History dey on San Lorenzo side, as dem win di trophy in 2002. But Santos get star power wey fit change di game.
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