Neymar suffers fresh injury setback

Brazilian football star Neymar has suffered another injury setback after being substituted at halftime during Santos' goalless draw with Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals.

The 34-year-old did not return for the second half of Wednesday's match as Santos crashed out of the competition after losing 3-0 on aggregate.

After the match, Neymar criticised the condition of the pitch at Santos' Vila Belmiro stadium, saying preparations were carried out too close to the game.

"I'd like to congratulate the person in charge of the pitch at Vila Belmiro," Neymar wrote in a social media post. "Yesterday's was the worst grass, full of holes because they did aeration a day before the match. Unbelievable!"

The latest setback adds to Neymar's injury troubles this year. He has made just 24 appearances for Santos, having struggled with recurring leg muscle and knee injuries.    �"AFP