Santos FC has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the next Brazilian Championship round, as first-choice goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão will be unavailable due to suspension.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper picked up his third yellow card during Saturday's intense 1-1 derby draw against Palmeiras. The caution came in the 31st minute of the first half when referee Raphael Claus deemed that Brazão had deliberately delayed a goal kick. Under league rules, this accumulation of bookings triggers an automatic one-match ban.

With Brazão sidelined, backup goalkeeper Diógenes is set to step in between the posts for the crucial clash against Red Bull Bragantino. The match is scheduled for next Sunday at Vila Belmiro, Santos' iconic home stadium that has witnessed countless memorable moments for the club.

Brazão didn't hide his frustration after the match, expressing his disappointment with the officiating decision during his mixed zone interview. He argued that Palmeiras striker Flaco López was still inside the penalty area when he attempted to take the goal kick, making it impossible to restart play quickly. The goalkeeper also questioned Claus' consistency, noting that he considers himself one of the least time-wasting goalkeepers in the championship. He further suggested that the referee's decision may have been influenced by the match taking place at Palmeiras' home ground.

Despite this domestic setback, there's good news for Santos fans—Brazão will be eligible for the team's upcoming Copa Sudamericana fixture. The squad, currently managed by Cuca (who emphasized the value of earning a point away from home, even without star player Neymar), now shifts focus to continental competition. Santos travels to Paraguay on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. to face Deportivo Recoleta in what promises to be an exciting South American challenge.