Neymar is mentioned in the Brazil team for their upcoming world cup qualifications against Colombia and Argentina, ending an absence of 17 months of the team.
The 33-year-old has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he contracted a front cruciate ligament injury against Uruguay.
Neymar has scored a record of 79 goals in 128 performances for Brazil and can be seen in three world cups. He recently expressed his hope to play in the 2026 tournament in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Neymar has passed a disappointing spell at Al-Hilal, where he made only seven performances in 18 months because of his ACL injury, and returned to his boy's club Santos in January with a six-month deal.
In seven games he scored three goals and registered three assists while he wants to rediscover his form of before the injury.
Asked how much playing time Neymar would get in the World Cup qualifications, said head coach Dorival Junior: “It is a situation to analyze. He has played for 90 minutes in two games for Santos.
“In some of those games he was replaced in the last moments. [His minutes in the games] Will decide on the enchantment he will now have, the way he will perform here. We will analyze how he is doing.
“We waited for him to return; This is the first opportunity we could have it [since recovering from injury]. I hope he is very happy when he returns. Let us give him the confidence to develop to the best of its ability. Let's not create high expectations, let's not put all responsibility on his return. “
Isso é Brasil!
Seleção Brasileira Convocada Para as Partidas Contrra Colômbia E Argentina, Pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026.
Confira a lista complete do técnico @dorivaljroficial!
Vamos Juntos! pic.twitter.com/p7rz52n5OH
– CBF FUTEBOL (@CBF_FUTEBOL) 6 March 2025
Brazil has struggled in World Cup qualifying without Neymar, who played in their first four games.
They are currently fifth in their qualifying group, seven points behind leaders Argentina after 12 games. They have lost four of their games so far.
There are remarkable absences in the team of Dorival, where Antony is not recorded despite his impressive form since he is on loan from Manchester United with Real Betis, while Real Madrid's Endrick is also omitted.
“We must show consistency in these competitions,” said Dorival. “It is of course that we are not satisfied with qualification at the moment, but a lot can happen.
“In our last four games, I believe that we have already shown a higher level than what we have shown before. I trust the work that we all do. I have no doubt that we will play great 'Clasico' games.”
Brazil Squad: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City), Danilo (Flamengo), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Wesley Franca (Flamengo), Vandersonon (Monaco), Psbiel Magalhathall (Flamengo), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Andre (Wolves), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Gerson (Flamengo), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Neymar (Santos), Joelinton (Newcastle United), Estevairas, RAPMEIRAS, RAPMEIRAS) (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
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