Neymar ruled out of Santos’ Sudamericana clash vs. Universidad Central tonight

Neymar Jr. will miss Santos FC’s first-leg Sudamericana knockout tie against Universidad Central tonight after the Brazilian star returned to training with his boyhood club this week.

The 34-year-old is not injured but remains outside the matchday squad as he works his way back to full fitness. Santos confirmed Neymar’s return to training on 18 July 2026, and the forward has since been spotted alongside teammates like Gabigol during drills.

Why Neymar isn’t playing tonight

Santos FC announced Neymar’s return to club facilities on 18 July 2026 after weeks of speculation over his future following Brazil’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. The club stressed he was training in good spirits, but the coaching staff opted to keep him out of tonight’s first leg in Venezuela.

Neymar last pulled on a Santos shirt on 17 May 2026 in a 3-0 Brasileirão loss at Vila Belmiro. He has not traveled with the team to Valencia for the first leg of the Sudamericana playoffs, which kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Estadio Polideportivo Misael Delgado.

What to expect from Santos without Neymar

Santos will field a reshaped lineup against Universidad Central. Gabriel Brazao starts in goal, with a back five of Gonzalo Escobar, João Ananias, Lucas Veríssimo, and Gabriel Menino. The midfield trio includes Christian Oliva, Gabriel Bontempo, and Benjamin Rollheiser, while Álvaro Barreal, Thaciano, and Miguel Terceros lead the attack.

Universidad Central host the first leg of their playoff tie at 8:30 p.m. local time in Venezuela. The second leg returns to Vila Belmiro next week, with the aggregate winner advancing to the Sudamericana Round of 16.

Where to watch the match

Fans in the United States can stream the match live on Fanatiz or beIN Sport USA and beIN Sport USA Español at 8:30 p.m. ET. Kickoff in Valencia is set for 8:30 p.m. local time.

The tie marks Santos’ latest continental outing under pressure to progress beyond early knockout rounds. Neymar’s absence leaves a void up front, but the squad aims to grind out a result before his likely return in the second leg.