Neymar suspended for Santos v Athletico Paranaense in Brazilian Série A

Neymar will miss Santos’ Brazilian Série A fixture against Athletico Paranaense at the Vila Belmiro on 10 August after being handed a one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation. The match is part of the 21st matchweek of the Brasileirão.

Santos sit 16th in the table with 22 points from 20 games, just outside the relegation zone, while Athletico Paranaense are third with 37 points from 21 games as they seek to consolidate a top-four position. The game carries considerable importance for both clubs, with Santos hoping to exploit home advantage and relying on the individual talents of Neymar and Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa. Athletico travel with the league’s leading scorer, Kevin Viveros.

Neymar started on the bench in Tuesday’s 1-0 Copa do Brasil win over Remo. He received his third yellow card of the Série A campaign in the draw against Chapecoense and will therefore serve a suspension for the upcoming league match.

Santos’ coaching staff and club management have adjusted their attacking plans at the Estádio Urbano Caldeira in response to the absence of the 34-year-old forward. The club will be without a player described in the report as the key playmaker since returning to his childhood club.

The fixture is listed as the 21st round of the Brasileirão and Santos might use the same starting lineup they have recently deployed as they attempt to arrest their league form. The match outcome has implications for Santos’ fight to move clear of the relegation places and for Athletico’s aim to strengthen its standing among the top teams.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 am IST on 10 August.