Deportivo Pasto Overview

Santos football executive director Alexandre Mattos insisted that leaving Neymar out of their 3-0 Copa do Brasil defeat to Palmeiras was purely tactical. The veteran forward was omitted from the matchday team sheet, sparking debate surrounding his physical condition and the venue's synthetic surface.

Neymar has been named in the Santos squad for Wednesday's Copa do Brasil quarter-final first leg against fierce rivals Palmeiras. The forward's inclusion comes despite long-standing concerns regarding artificial turf at Nubank Parque, with the 34-year-old previously expressing strong reluctance to risk his fitness on synthetic surfaces.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has reportedly made contact with the representatives of Santos starlet Robinho Jr. to discuss a potential future with the Azzurri. While the teenager has been on the radar of the Brazilian national team, his eligibility for Italy has opened the door to an international tug-of-war over his allegiance.

Neymar continues to see a move to Inter Miami speculated on, which would see him link up with ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, but Giuseppe Rossi has explained to GOAL why a ‘MSN’ reunion in South Florida could be a “mistake” for MLS. With ambitious plans being drawn up in the United States, “snail’s pace” progress warnings have been sounded.