Why Is Neymar Not Playing Tonight for Santos vs San Lorenzo?

(Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

Why Is Neymar Not Playing Tonight for Santos vs San Lorenzo?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pragjyoti Singh | Last updated May 20, 2026 5:11 PM ET

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti included Neymar in the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad earlier this week, marking the forward’s return to the national team after a long injury absence.

Neymar had been working his way back to full fitness at Santos FC and there had been strong questions around whether he was physically ready for the tournament.

The 34-year-old was also involved in a major controversy during Santos’ recent Brazilian Serie A league defeat against Coritiba.

Neymar briefly stepped off the pitch to receive treatment for discomfort in his calf, but a substitution mistake from the fourth official led to Neymar being taken off instead of teammate Gonzalo Escobar.

The Brazilian star protested angrily and even showed the substitution paper to cameras before eventually leaving the field. Santos later confirmed there had been an officiating error.

Neymar Jr. kicks the ball during a Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana match between Deportivo Recoleta and Santos.Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images

Now Santos prepare for an important Copa Sudamericana clash against San Lorenzo. The Brazilian side still have hopes of progressing from Group D and need a strong result at home.

San Lorenzo, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after staying unbeaten in several recent continental matches.

Why is Neymar not playing tonight for Santos vs San Lorenzo?

Neymar is not playing tonight for Santos against San Lorenzo because of the calf problem he picked up during the controversial substitution incident against Coritiba.

Reports state that Santos do not want to take risks with the forward so close to the World Cup, especially after his recent history with injuries.

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Although the injury is not believed to be serious, Santos' medical staff are being cautious after Neymar complained of discomfort before leaving the pitch in the last match.

The club also do not want to risk making the injury worse just before Brazil begin their World Cup campaign.

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

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