Neymar will not be playing for Brazil this year. Even though he has recovered from his injury and is back on the field, he was not included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers during the international break this month.
The squad announced recently also did not include young striker Endrick. Brazil`s first match is against Venezuela on November 14, followed by a game against Uruguay on November 20.
After these matches, Brazil has no more games scheduled for the rest of the year.
Neymar was expected to return to the national team after being away for over a year.
Coach Dorival Junior had asked fans to be patient about Neymar’s situation. However, it looks like Neymar will not make his comeback this year, and Dorival is making plans without him.
When asked about Neymar`s absence, Dorival said,
“We are closely watching what’s happening with Neymar, especially after his injuries while playing for Brazil. I’ve talked to him a few times over the past two months. We are all focused on his recovery. He is fit now, but he hasn’t played very much, which is a big reason for not including him. I will be ready to bring him back next time, and he will be ready too.”
Even though he wasn`t chosen, Neymar wanted to be part of these matches.
Dorival stated, “I know he wanted to be in the squad. I would have been happy to include him, but he needs to understand the situation. He hasn’t had many minutes on the field, and we have to be careful about that.”
A surprising addition to the squad, besides Neymar and Endrick, is Murilo from Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old center-back is getting his first call-up. Vinicius Junior is also back in the team.
The players who were selected will start training in Belem on November 11 and will prepare until November 13 before facing Venezuela in Maturin.
After that match, they will return to Salvador to host Uruguay.
In the South American qualifiers, Brazil is currently in fourth place with 16 points from 10 matches.
Argentina is in the lead with 22 points, followed by Colombia with 19 points, and Uruguay is in third place with 16 points, just ahead of Brazil on goal difference.
Brazil`s 23-Member Squad:
Goalkeepers: Bento, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Danilo, Vanderson, Abner, Guilherme Arana, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Murilo
Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimarães, Garçson, Lucas Paquetá, Andres Pereira
Forwards: Estevão, Rodrigo, Luis Henrique, Savinho, Vinicius Junior, Igor Jesus, Raphinha
