Despite requesting to be substituted during Santos’ 2-0 victory against Bragantino on Sunday, Neymar made an effort to reassure supporters that he is okay.
Santos advanced to the Paulista Championship semifinals thanks to Neymar’s angled free-kick in the ninth minute, which gave his club the lead. But the Brazil forward had to be treated on the bench after being substituted out in the 76th minute due to a thigh issue.
Pedro Caixinha, the manager of Santos, stated at a news conference following the game that Neymar will be assessed when the club starts training again on Wednesday.
“Let’s wait for him to be evaluated, let’s hope everything is fine on Wednesday,” he said.
Due to injury, Neymar only played seven games for Saudi team Al Hilal in more than 18 months before rejoining his childhood team Santos as a free agent during the winter transfer window.
Neymar scored his third goal for Santos in his past four games on Sunday.
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“He is a fantastic player,” Caixinha said of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
“His game rhythm is complete. Now, other cycles follow and he will complete to be the Neymar that we all stop to see. Our concern is not who we are going to face [in the semifinals of the Paulista Championship]. It’s about getting ready to win. With Neymar, it’s easier.”
🇧🇷🤯 Neymar Jr. with a brilliant free kick goal with Santos!pic.twitter.com/9xEhjldpxD
— Football Xtra™ (@FootballXtra0) March 3, 2025
