Santos

Philippe Coutinho has said his former Brazil teammate Neymar played a "very important role" in him signing for Santos.

Philippe Coutinho is set to play for Santos for the remainder of the year.

Neymar is expected to be sidelined for at least a month with a muscular injury.

Neymar criticised the state of the Vila Belmiro pitch after sustaining a right thigh injury during Wednesday's Brazilian Cup game against Palmeiras.

Neymar had to be replaced at half-time of Santos' goalless draw against Palmeiras in Wednesday's Brazilian Cup game with a suspected right thigh injury.

Neymar is drawing little comfort from Santos' 1-0 league win over Corinthians, fearing the club could end up again in a battle against relegation.

Santos have announced they have paid off their €2 million ($2.3m) debt to AS Monaco with the financial help of Neymar's family company, thus lifting the club's transfer ban.

Santos are open to loan Brazilian forward Robinho Junior to a European club this season, sources have told ESPN.

Neymar-Mendes feud reignites in frosty handshake snub

Neymar was left hanging by Thiago Mendes in Sunday's handshake line ahead of Vasco da Gama and Santos, and the pair's feud is six years in the making.