Synopsis
Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to a thigh injury, as announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation. The veteran forward has not played for the national team since October 2023.Key Takeaways
- Neymar out of qualifiers due to thigh injury
- Replaced by Endrick from Real Madrid
- Hasn't played for Brazil since October 2023
- Brazil currently fifth in South American qualifiers
- CBF announces squad changes ahead of matches
Rio de Janeiro, March 15 (NationPress) Veteran striker Neymar will be sidelined for Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to a thigh injury, as confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Friday.
The 33-year-old forward, who has not represented Brazil since October 2023 owing to a knee injury, has been replaced by the young Real Madrid forward Endrick, according to Xinhua.
“The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won't be able to wear the most important shirt in the world for the moment,” Neymar expressed on Instagram.
“We had long conversations, and everyone knows my desire to return. However, we agreed that it’s best not to take any risks and to prepare thoroughly to completely eliminate the injury,” he added.
Brazil is scheduled to face Colombia in Brasilia on March 20 and Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.
The five-time world champions currently sit in fifth place in the 10-team South American group with 18 points from 12 qualifiers, trailing leaders Argentina by seven points.
Neymar has shown flashes of his prime form since returning to his original club Santos from Al-Hilal in January.
In seven matches, the forward has netted three goals—one of which was a spectacular direct strike from a corner—and provided three assists for his Brazilian top-flight team.
The CBF also revealed that Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri and Flamengo defender Alex Sandro have replaced Manchester City’s Ederson and Flamengo right-back Danilo in Brazil’s roster.
Endrick, who has been capped 13 times for Brazil and scored three goals, has found the net six times in 28 appearances for Real Madrid this season.
