Neymar’s Limited Participation in Santos Derbies Highlighted by Club
Neymar’s limited participation in Santos derbies has been a topic of concern for fans. Since his return to Brazil, he has played in only one match against a major rival. This was during a showdown with Corinthians in the Campeonato Paulista.
Neymar’s Return to Santos
Neymar rejoined Santos at the beginning of this year, after a brief stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, his time on the field has been hampered by injuries. He sustained a muscle injury in his thigh, which has affected his availability for crucial matches.
Participation in Key Matches
Out of the six derbies Santos played since Neymar’s return, he has participated in only one. Here’s a breakdown of the key details:
- Matches Played: 6 derbies
- Teams Faced: São Paulo and Corinthians (3 matches each)
- Victories: 2 wins
- Defeats: 4 losses
He has often been left off the squad list close to match day. This missed opportunity has disappointed both fans and the club management.
Upcoming Opportunities
Looking ahead, Neymar has two more chances to play in matches against the club’s traditional rivals before the season ends. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirmed this plan last month, aiming to maximize Neymar’s participation.
Neymar’s influence at Santos remains significant, but his limited presence in these key matches has left fans eager for more consistent appearances. With time running out in the season, supporters hope to see him fully fit and contributing on the pitch.
