Cuca Delays Neymar Decision for Palmeiras Match

Santos boss Cuca has parked the Neymar question for at least another day, insisting he has not yet decided whether his star forward will face Palmeiras on the controversial artificial surface at Allianz Parque.

Speaking after Santos’ 2-1 Copa Sudamericana win over Macará, Cuca made it clear the call will be made only after he has checked on the entire squad.

“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 told ESPN Brazil. “I'm going to talk to him tomorrow and with the entire squad so we can decide what to do.”

Tough trip, tougher surface

The trip to Palmeiras is difficult enough without the added drama of the pitch. Cuca did not try to dress it up.

“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,” he admitted. “But we'll work hard to do our best on Wednesday.”

The surface, though, is the real flashpoint. Neymar’s long-standing dislike of synthetic turf hardened after he sprained his ankle against Atletico Mineiro. His anger spilled onto social media with a blunt verdict: “It's proven, synthetic is absolute s***.”

That comment still hangs over every discussion about his availability for Allianz Parque.

Neymar keeps his cards close

In the mixed zone after the Macará win, reporters quickly turned the conversation to Palmeiras and the artificial grass. Neymar was having none of it.

“Man, are you already thinking about that? Calm down, there's a game on Sunday,” he said when asked about Wednesday’s clash. Pressed on whether he would play on synthetic turf, he answered: “I don't know [if I'll play on synthetic turf].”

The uncertainty fits with what he has said before about Allianz Parque. His stance has been blunt and unwavering.

“Playing at Allianz, for me, is impossible,” he has 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 waits, Neymar hesitates, and Allianz Parque looms — a title-chasing stage with a surface the club’s biggest star openly despises.