Neymar’s anticipated return to action for Brazil has been postponed after the forward was ruled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to a thigh injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Neymar’s withdrawal on Friday, along with those of Manchester City goalkeeper Éderson and Flamengo’s Danilo.
Neymar has been sidelined since October 2023, when he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee. He had been named in Brazil’s squad for the matches against Colombia and Argentina, having returned to fitness following a January transfer to his boyhood club, Santos. However, he sustained a muscular injury during Santos’ 2-0 victory over Bragantino on March 2nd.
In response to the withdrawals, Brazil coach Dorival Jr. has called up Real Madrid’s teenage forward Endrick, Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri, and Flamengo defender Alex Sandro.
“Following the original call-up, the Brazil national team’s medical department has been updating us regarding the situation of all the players, especially Danilo from Flamengo, Neymar from Santos, and Ederson from Manchester City,” Dorival Jr. said in a CBF statement. “After the evaluations carried out, we decided to call up Lucas Perri from Lyon, Alex Sandro from Flamengo, and Endrick from Real Madrid to replace the injured players.”
Brazil, currently fifth in the South American World Cup qualifying table, host Colombia on Thursday, March 21st, before traveling to face rivals Argentina on March 25th. The top six teams in the standings will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Neymar’s absence is a blow to Brazil’s attacking options, while Endrick’s call-up represents a significant opportunity for the highly-rated youngster.
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