Trio fails
© Imago
The return of Neymar to the Brazilian national team over a year and a half has burst. The reason for this is a muscle injury in the left thigh. “It seemed as if there was a comeback ahead, but unfortunately I will not be able to wear the most difficult jersey in the world at that moment,” said Neymar in an Instagram story.
“We have had long conversations and all of you know how much I wanted to come back, but we have come to a consensus and decided not to risk it so that I can prepare myself better to cure the injury completely,” said the 33-year-old.
Actually, it should have been so far after around 17 months. Coach Dorival Júnior had appointed him a week ago for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and world champion Argentina. Now Neymar is replaced by the 18-year-old young star Endrick by Real Madrid. Flamgo defenders Alex Sandro (34) and Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri (27) were nominated for the also failing Danilo (33, Flamengo) and Ederson (31, Man City).
Neymar played his last of 128 games so far for Seleção in October 2023 at the World Cup qualification game against Uruguay (0: 2) when he pulled a cruciate ligament tear. Neymar has been wearing the jersey of his youth association FC Santos again since February, after he was sorted out in Saudi Arabia at Al-Hilal.
Brazil welcomes Colombia on March 20 and travels to Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires five days later. The Seleção is in a disappointing fifth place in the World Cup qualification after twelve games, seven points behind the leaders and arch-rivals. The six best teams automatically take part in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.