Santos faces a critical Brazilian Serie A clash against Cruzeiro, and all eyes were on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> and his role in the match. His availability has gained extra significance as Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti monitors his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.



Neymar, who recently returned to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a> following knee surgery in December 2025, has been struggling with consistency and injuries, making his availability a key talking point ahead of Brazil’s pre-World Cup friendlies. Although the Peixe is grappling with inconsistency this season, and Cruzeiro is yet to secure its first win, Neymar remains central to the club’s ambitions. 



His presence on the pitch has been limited, but when fit, he has shown flashes of brilliance, scoring three goals in three league appearances so far. Yet, for the game against Cruzeiro, he will not play the full 90 minutes, as coach Cuca has chosen to manage his workload carefully.



Cuca confirmed Neymar’s absence, citing workload management as the reason. “I had a separate conversation with Neymar, and I can tell you now that he will be out of Sunday’s game because he played two matches and cannot play a third in seven days due to workload management. According to our physiology team, the chance of injury is very high, and we cannot take that risk,” the coach said.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Cuca explica por que Neymar não vai jogar contra o Cruzeiro" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-yEOFt79NTI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



This decision comes amid mounting pressure for the 34-year-old to showcase his fitness to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/carlo-ancelotti/">Ancelotti</a>, who is preparing Brazil for friendlies against France and Croatia at the end of March. The forward’s ongoing recovery from an ACL injury in October 2023, coupled with intermittent match fitness, has made him a risk in consecutive matches. While some fans were hoping to see Neymar in action, his cautious management is aimed at sustaining him for both Santos and the national team.



<h2>Why Santos’ decision makes sense</h2>



Research highlights the risks of congested schedules. According to a 2022 study in Frontiers in Physiology, soccer players are 2.5 times more likely to sustain injuries when playing matches within 72 hours of each other, reinforcing the manager’s cautious approach. This includes muscle strains, ligament injuries, and other overuse problems. The underlying reason is simple: the human body needs time to recover from physical exertion. 



After a high-intensity match, muscles, tendons, and joints are fatigued, and micro-damages need repair. If players return to full competition too quickly, they don’t have enough time to rebuild strength and resilience, making injuries much more likely. Neymar’s ongoing fitness challenges and history of injuries, including an ACL tear in 2023, further justify the load management strategy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/10/23114622/Neymar-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="Santos veteran Neymar Jr" class="wp-image-598945" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"><figcaption>Neymar of Santos reacts during the Brasileirao 2025.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What Neymar needs to do to prove he is 2026 World Cup-worthy</h2>



Neymar’s absence from Santos mirrors his omission from Brazil’s March friendlies, which are the last preparation games before Ancelotti finalizes his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a> squad on May 18. The 34-year-old forward, the Selecao’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, expressed his disappointment candidly.



“I’m upset and sad for not being picked by Ancelotti for the two friendlies. But my focus remains, day after day, training after training, match after match. We will reach our goal, there’s still the final squad,” he said.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Carlo Ancelotti sobre Neymar: “Neymar pode estar na Copa se estiver 100%. Por que não chamei agora o Neymar? Porque não está 100%, é preciso de jogadores 100%.” 📽️<a href="https://twitter.com/CBF_Futebol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBF_Futebol</a><a href="https://t.co/1YmmzJuZf2">pic.twitter.com/1YmmzJuZf2</a>— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) <a href="https://twitter.com/liberta___depre/status/2033620338785784117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote></div>



Ancelotti has emphasized the importance of physical readiness over technical ability. The Italian manager remarked, “Neymar is not at 100 percent, and therefore he is not on the list. If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities, and maintaining good physical condition.”



The pre-World Cup friendlies will provide a platform for emerging talents such as Endrick, Igor Thiago, and Rayan, while veterans like Marquinhos, Vinicius, and Casemiro provide leadership. For Neymar, the challenge is clear: he must prove his fitness and form in the limited time left to earn a place in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil/">Brazil</a>’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Neymar out vs Cruzeiro: Key study shows why Santos’ bold move could shape his 2026 World Cup chances with Carlo Ancelotti watching

Neymar out vs Cruzeiro: Key study shows why Santos’ bold move could shape his 2026 World Cup chances with Carlo Ancelotti watching - World Soccer Talk

main

After a six-month hiatus from professional soccer,&nbsp;Sergio Ramos, the legendary Real Madrid defender and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, may have found a new destination. Known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and a career filled with accolades, Ramos has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/sergio-ramos-turns-down-another-south-american-powerhouse-what-now-for-ex-real-madrid-and-psg-star/">sparked rumors about his next move</a> as the January transfer window approaches.



One club in South America has openly expressed interest, adding a new layer of intrigue to the speculation surrounding <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-ramos/">Ramos</a>. While the mystery persists, the club has confirmed its readiness to negotiate with the World Cup-winning Spaniard, but only on its terms.



At 38, the former La Roja international remains a prominent name in global soccer. A product of Sevilla’s youth academy, Ramos rose to fame during his illustrious stint at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>, where he won multiple Champions League titles, La Liga trophies, and other domestic and international honors.



Following his time at Real Madrid, Ramos spent two seasons at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/psg/">PSG</a>, where he played alongside Lionel Messi, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/">Kylian Mbape</a>, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> before returning to Sevilla for a brief spell. Since leaving Sevilla as a free agent in mid-2024, the defender has remained without a club, prompting speculation about his next destination.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/24123846/ramos-sevilla-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="ramos sevilla" class="wp-image-545430" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



The veteran has reportedly rejected offers from clubs like Corinthians, Monterrey, and new MLS side San Diego FC. However, recent developments suggest he could still be heading to South America.



<h2>Brazilian giants ready to step up?</h2>



In a surprising twist,&nbsp;a Brazilian club has stepped forward, expressing interest in signing Ramos. Pedro Lourenco, the majority shareholder of the Cruzeiro, recently told&nbsp;Radio Itatiaia:&nbsp;“If he wants to come, under our terms, he can come. We’ll talk to him. Who knows, maybe it’ll be him, because we’re going to bring in a defender.”



Although discussions have yet to begin, Alexandre Mattos, the club’s soccer CEO, confirmed that Ramos’ name has been circulating among Brazilian clubs through intermediaries. However, he noted that the Spaniard appears uncertain about playing in South America.



“I would say that they are calling and talking, but Sergio Ramos does not have the idea in his head that he wants to go to South America or Arabia. He needs to resolve that. Does he want to come and work in Brazil, within our reality? Then we will talk,”&nbsp;Mattos stated.



Financial constraints have complicated Cruzeiro’s search for defensive reinforcements. Recent attempts to sign high-profile players have been hindered by steep transfer fees and salary demands. Ramos, as a free agent, represents a more feasible option if terms can be agreed upon.



<h2>How would Ramos help Cruzeiro?</h2>



For Cruzeiro, securing a player of Ramos’ stature would mark a significant coup. At nearly 39 years old, the centre-back would bring unparalleled experience and leadership to a team currently rebuilding under coach Fernando Diniz.



The club’s defensive lineup, which includes Joao Marcelo, Jonathan Jesus, Lucas Villalba, and Ze Ivaldo, could benefit greatly from Ramos’ expertise. Meanwhile, youngster Weverton is expected to be loaned out, emphasizing the need for a high-caliber addition.

Sergio Ramos’ next move? Club offers invitation to sign Real Madrid legend and Lionel Messi’s ex-PSG teammate

Sergio Ramos’ next move? Club offers invitation to sign Real Madrid legend and Lionel Messi’s ex-PSG teammate - World Soccer Talk

<a href="http://www.bundesligatalk.com/the-new-gaffer-introducing-klopp-at-borussia-dortmund/25/jurgen-klopp-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-29" title="Jürgen Klopp"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://www.bundesligatalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/klopp1.jpg" alt="Jürgen Klopp" align="right" height="242" hspace="15" vspace="15" width="351"></figure></div></a>Continuing our series introducing the Bundesliga’s newest gaffers is Jürgen Klopp now with Borussia Dortmund. For those of you at home wondering why Klopp was chosen to follow Klinsmann wonder no more. Was it to juxtapose the long-serving Klopp with the journeyman Klinsmann? Was it because both were football commentators for the German public television channel ZDF (Klinsmann at the ’02 WC and Klopp for the ’06 WC and ’08 Euro Championships)? Was it because they both share the name Jürgen? Yes, actually. So, without further ado, the second manager in our series, Borussia Dortmund’s Jürgen Klopp who arrived from 1. FSV Mainz 05.
He first appeared as a player with Mainz in 1990 and over the next decade plus he played in 325 games, becoming the club’s all-time leader in appearances by the end of his career. His (interim) managerial debut found Mainz languishing in the relegation zone of the 2nd Bundesliga in February 2001. With 19 points from his first 7 games he successfully guided the team to safety (finishing 14th) and shedded his interim tag in the process. The next two seasons found the squad just miss out on promotion in what can only be called a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fu%C3%9Fball-Bundesliga_2000-01" target="_blank" title="Matchday 34 of the 2000/01 Bundesliga season">Schalke-esque aversion to success</a>. Things turned out much better the next year as Mainz were promoted and, more impressively, managed to stay up for an additional two years before being relegated once more. He exercised a clause in his contract that allowed him to move on after Mainz remained in the 2. Bundesliga last year. There is no doubt that had the club been promoted he’d still be managing them now. No one doubts his ability to get teams to punch above their weight. The question is how much of an improvement will his new job will actually be. Dortmund are in dire need of rescuing before they too find themselves relegated.
It’s hard to imagine that little more than a decade ago, in 1996/97, that Dortmund were kings of Europe and the world after victories over Juventus and Cruzerio. It is difficult to find a suitable comparison to how fast they fell in Europe after victory, except for perhaps Red Star Belgrade (a result of the Yugoslav civil war, no doubt). Paradoxically, their decline is intimately intertwined with their success. Flush with optimism and the perceived need to strengthen their squad to continue challenging for honors, Dortmund spent enormous sums(by Bundesliga standards) on bringing in new players. In order to facilitate these transfers Dortmund became the first (and only) club to float itself on the stock market. The club prides itself on firsts: the first European trophy in 1966 and the first Champions League win in 1997, so the decision to be publicly listed is not out of character in a way. Yet the business model that emerged was contingent on continued European success (or at least qualification) and foundered badly when this sole condition was not met.
Dortmund’s failure in Europe would consequently affect the team’s domestic performance, beginning a cycle of failure from which it has yet to escape. Since winning the league in 2001/02, Dortmund has steadily fallen in final table every year since (3rd, 6th, 7th, 7th, 9th bottoming out at 13th last season). As success and money become scarcer wages are cut which in turn provides another incentive for those players dissatisfied with the team’s performances to leave. Most Dortmund fans are unwillingly to accept their team’s current predicament and hunger for a return to glory. Yet over their 37 seasons in the Bundesliga, Dortmund’s average final table position is only 7th. The success of the 90s that the club and its fans seek to return to is, historically, an aberration. But as Jürgen Klopp showed with Mainz he can get a team to play above themselves, which is exactly what Dortmund need right now to begin challenging Bayern for league hegemony once more.
What do you think? Will Jürgen Klopp’s managerial acumen be enough turn around Dortmund’s fortunes? Or will structural deficiencies be too much to overcome before either Klopp or club become dissatisfied with the other?
Next week: Fred Rutten at Schalke 04

The New Gaffer: Introducing Klopp at Borussia Dortmund

The New Gaffer: Introducing Klopp at Borussia Dortmund - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Cruzerio. Find out about all the news related to Cruzerio on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Cruzerio"

News

Neymar out vs Cruzeiro: Key study shows why Santos’ bold move could shape his 2026 World Cup chances with Carlo Ancelotti watching

News

Sergio Ramos’ next move? Club offers invitation to sign Real Madrid legend and Lionel Messi’s ex-PSG teammate

News

The New Gaffer: Introducing Klopp at Borussia Dortmund