RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Neymar could miss Santos' away clash against Palmeiras in Brazil's Serie A on Thursday as he continues his recovery from injury.
Neymar returned from his latest setback in Santos' 1-1 home draw with Fortaleza on Saturday but is likely to be rested for the match on artificial turf at Allianz Parque.
"Neymar has been through many battles," Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda told reporters. "The best thing a manager can do is listen to him. We know the reality of synthetic turf. I want to finish this year with Neymar on the pitch."
Neymar has made no secret of his dislike for artificial surfaces, blaming synthetic grass for previous soft-tissue injuries. In August, he said that playing at Allianz Parque would be "impossible for me".
Even so, local media reported that the 33-year-old has made himself available for Thursday's clash but would likely be overruled by coaching staff.
Neymar has made just 13 league appearances this season, scoring three goals. Santos is currently 16th in Brazil's top flight standings with 33 points, just two clear of the relegation zone with eight games remaining this season. ■
