

After Neymar suffered a muscular injury, Brazil called up young striker Endrick to play in the World Cup qualifiers this month. After missing 17 months due to a knee injury he suffered against Uruguay in October 2023, Neymar was scheduled to return to the Selecao.
However, the 33-year-old has now suffered yet another blow, being disqualified from the qualifiers against Argentina and Colombia. "The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won't be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment," he said to Instagram. "We had long conversations and everyone knows of my desire to return, but we agreed that it's best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury." Following a difficult spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar moved back to boyhood club Santos in January and has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven appearances in the Brazilian top flight.