Brazil`s national football coach, Dorival Junior, is hoping for Neymar`s return to the team after a long injury layoff, especially after a difficult 1-1 draw with Uruguay in the World Cup qualifiers.
Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023 due to an ACL injury, has now missed over a year of international football.
After some recovery and a brief return with his club Al-Hilal, Neymar picked up another injury just two weeks ago, which meant he was left out of Brazil`s recent squad.
The Selecao, Brazil`s national team, has been struggling in the World Cup qualifiers, sitting in fifth place in the CONMEBOL table.
They are currently seven points behind Argentina, who lead the standings.
With the pressure mounting on Dorival Junior, the coach is clear that Neymar’s presence could provide a much-needed lift for the team.
Dorival, who has always spoken highly of Neymar, believes the star forward’s return could make a big difference.
“I have never hidden my admiration for him. We all know how capable he is,” Dorival said, emphasizing the importance of Neymar to the national team.
“I would like him to return to the team at a time when the team can support him. I hope that happens again in March, or the following year. All we want is for him to be fully fit so that he can do his best."
The coach also said that if Neymar were healthy, his return would help Brazil perform even better in the qualifiers.
“I have no doubt that with Neymar, the national team`s performance will be even better. I think that back then it would have been too early to imagine a return. If he were fit, he would already be accelerating this process for us,” Dorival added.
Neymar’s absence has been felt deeply, but Dorival believes the decision to keep him out of the squad for these qualifiers was the right one, especially after Neymar`s injury setback.
"We were right not to call him up last time, especially because of what happened later, his injury. We were very cautious and safe, because we were monitoring his situation. We took the right approach," said the coach.
He further stated that it’s crucial for Neymar to fully recover with his club before he returns to Brazil`s national team.
“First, we want him to recover his conditions at the club, and then he returns to the national team, because he is essential, yes,” Dorival concluded.
Off the field, there’s speculation about Neymar`s next move.
His contract with Al-Hilal is set to expire at the end of the season, and many believe he could return to Santos, the Brazilian club where his career started. However, Neymar’s agent has firmly stated that there have been no talks about ending his contract with the Saudi club just yet.
Neymar’s talent and skill on the field are undeniable, and the Brazilian coach is confident that Neymar’s return will help elevate the national team.
The 32-year-old forward, known for his creativity, flair, and game-changing abilities, would be a key asset for Brazil, especially as they push to improve their standing in the qualifiers.
For now, Neymar’s future with both Brazil and his club is uncertain, but one thing is clear, if Neymar can return to full fitness soon, he could be exactly what Brazil needs to turn their World Cup qualifying campaign around.
The Brazilian coach remains hopeful, saying, “I have no doubt that he will continue to grow with the team.”
With Neymar’s potential return on the horizon, Brazil fans are eagerly waiting to see the star forward back in action for his country.
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