Santos star Neymar has raised fresh doubts over his participation in the upcoming Copa do Brasil quarter-final tie against Palmeiras due to concerns over the synthetic pitch at Nubank Parque. The 34-year-old forward has long been a vocal critic of artificial surfaces, raising questions about his readiness to play in the crucial fixture on August 26.
Gabriel Jesus has dropped a major hint regarding his future, admitting that a return to his boyhood club Palmeiras is something he considers on a daily basis. Despite celebrating Premier League success with Arsenal this week, the Brazilian striker appears to be keeping one eye on a sentimental homecoming to the club where he first made his name.
At Palmeiras, Endrick, Estevao, Luis Gulherme, Vitor Reis and Luighi became known as 'The Billion Generation' - a reference to the colossal amount of money four prodigiously gifted players were expected to generate for the Brazil club. However, it now feels as if another name should be added to that illustrious list of outstanding academy products, that of Eduardo Conceicao.
Neymar has once again sidelined himself for a major fixture due to his long-standing and vocal opposition to artificial playing surfaces. The Brazilian icon sat out Santos’ high-profile derby against Palmeiras to avoid the synthetic pitch at the Allianz Parque, a decision that comes at a critical time as he fights to prove his fitness to Carlo Ancelotti.
Gabriel Jesus has seemingly opened the door to a summer move away from Arsenal. The Brazilian forward, who has struggled for regular minutes this season since his return from a lengthy injury layoff, has revealed he still has a "desire" to return to the club where his career began.
Jesse Lingard’s first start for Corinthians ended in disappointment as the Brazilian giants slumped to a damaging 1-0 home defeat against Internacional at the Neo Quimica Arena. The result extended the team's winless run to nine games in all competitions. It proved fatal for ex-Brazil national team boss Dorival Junior, who was dismissed by the club’s hierarchy immediately following the match.