All hopes of Brazilian fans of seeing their talisman Neymar in action against arch-rivals Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers were dashed after he was ruled out due to an injury.
The 33-year-old, along with goalkeeper Ederson and defender Danilo, will not play the qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina this month, coach Dorival Junior said in a video.
Neymar, who returned to the field with Santos in January after a long injury layoff, last played on March 2, and was substituted after a left thigh injury. He could not play the Sao Paulo state championship semifinal against Corinthians because of the injury.
The former Brazil captain sustained an ACL injury in October 2023 during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, and was recuperating since then. He joined his boyhood club Santos on a six-month deal following the termination of his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal by mutual agreement.
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Neymar scored three goals and provided three assists in seven matches at Santos, prompting coach Junior to pick him in the national squad. Neymar has played 128 matches for Brazil and scored a record 79 goals, surpassing Pele’s tally of 77.
Young Brazilian sensation Endrick will replace Neymar in the Brazilian squad for the two World Cup qualifying matches. The 18-year-old Real Madrid striker has scored three goals in 13 matches for the senior Brazilian team.
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Ederson was replaced by Lyon’s Lucas Perri, while Flamengo’s Alex Sandro has been named the replacement for defender and his clubmate Danilo.
Brazil are fifth in South American qualifying, and will host Colombia on March 20 and then take on Argentina five days later in Buenos Aires.
