Santos manager reveals why Neymar missed Internacional game

The forward didn’t play in Santos’ previous game.

Following Neymar’s absence from the Brazilian Serie A match against Internacional, Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda gave a candid update on the forward’s most recent injury setback.

Neymar was just getting used to playing for Santos again after recovering from a hamstring ailment, but he was forced to miss Monday’s match due to a new injury.

When Neymar joined his childhood club Santos in January 2025, he was hopeful about starting again and resurrecting his career.

The Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal had mutually terminated the star winger’s contract after he had only recently returned from an ACL injury that had kept him out of play for almost a year and a half.

But his return to Brazil has not gone according to plan. The 33-year-old has missed numerous games due to injuries during his second stint at Santos. By his standards, his record of seven goals and three assists in 25 games across all competitions is not very impressive.

With only one international break remaining in March before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, he is in a race against time to prove himself to national team coach Carlo Ancelotti. His ongoing physical setbacks have also postponed his return to the Brazil national team.

Also read: Carlo Ancelotti reveals Neymar is on ‘list of players’ for 2026 World Cup

Santos’ boss reveals why Neymar missed the recent game

Neymar had started for Santos in their last three Serie A games after recovering from a recent hamstring injury, but just before Monday’s match against Internacional, he was ruled out. Santos’ head coach revealed the reason.

After a 1-1 draw against Internacional, Santos boss Vojvoda told reporters: “The plan is for him to be in the match against Sport. I have to talk to him, I’m not in his physical presence and I will respect Neymar’s decisions. But his commitment is to be there, he always wants to be there.

“Before the Mirassol game, he felt discomfort in his knee. He also felt it during the game. The following day he was experiencing significant discomfort in that knee.

“We know we have games every three days. With travel, we’ll arrive in Santos tomorrow afternoon… He’s a player we need for all three rounds and he’ll help us. He’s our leader on the field. He’ll be there. He felt he wouldn’t be able to meet the demands of today’s game.”

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