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Why Is Neymar Not Playing Tonight For Santos vs. Deportivo Cuenca?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 5:56 PM ET

Santos FC will be playing against Deportivo Cuenca away from home tonight in the Copa Sudamericana. It will be the first group stage match of the season for Santos in the Copa Sudamericana.

Santos FC is in Group D with Deportivo Cuenca, Recoleta, and San Lorenzo. The Brazilian club will be away from home against the Ecuadorian side tonight.

Santos will be without Neymar, who was suspended in their previous match, which was against Flamengo in the Brazilian league.

Neymar was suspended in the previous match due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His last appearance for Santos was against Remo in the Brazilian league, where Santos won 2-0 at home, and Neymar provided an assist.

Moises of Santos celebrates with teammate Neymar Junior after scoring the team's second goal during the Brasileirao 2026 match between Santos and Remo at Estadio Urbano Caldeira on April 2, 2026 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

Neymar was available to play against Deportivo Cuenca today after missing the previous match and is not injured.

Neymar Rested for Santos' Copa Sudamericana Opener

Neymar is not in the Santos FC squad for their first match of the Copa Sudamericana against Deportivo Cuenca.

Neymar is currently resting and training back at the Santos FC facilities after reports in Brazil suggest that the Brazilian star underwent surgery.

Santos FC manager Cuca revealed that Neymar underwent knee surgery during the March international break two weeks ago.

Cuca said, "Neymar underwent a surgical procedure on his knee during the FIFA international break. He didn't train. He spent a few days recovering from the procedure, which was a clinical matter."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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