Brazil has announced the recall of forward Neymar for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina later this month, marking a significant return for the player who has been absent from the national team for over a year. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Neymar’s return follows his recovery from a knee injury he sustained in a qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.
At 33 years old, Neymar has faced obstacles in regaining his form, particularly after a challenging stint with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. However, since returning to his boyhood club Santos in January, he has demonstrated a resurgence in form, netting three goals and providing three assists in just seven matches. His performances have caught the attention of Brazil’s coach, Dorival Junior.
Coach Dorival noted that Neymar’s involvement in the qualifiers will depend on his match fitness. He stated, “He has played 90 minutes in two matches for Santos, and we will analyze his performance closely before making any decisions regarding his playtime.”
Neymar’s illustrious career includes 128 caps and a record 79 goals for Brazil, surpassing the legendary Pele’s mark of 77. His contributions have been pivotal in Brazil’s achievements, including being part of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and playing a crucial role in the team’s journey to the finals of the 2021 Copa America where they were runners-up to Argentina.
Currently, Brazil sits fifth in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points from 12 matches, and they are preparing to host Colombia on March 21, followed by a crucial match against Argentina five days later. This encounter could see Neymar face his former teammate Lionel Messi, adding further excitement to the fixture.
Expressing optimism ahead of the matches, Coach Dorival emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, stating, “We will prepare meticulously for these opponents and strive for commendable results. I firmly believe we possess enough quality and talent to achieve success.”
Neymar’s return not only signifies a personal comeback for the star player but also presents Brazil with an opportunity to strengthen its squad as they aim for a top-six finish to secure direct qualification for the World Cup. With a focus on unity and performance, the anticipation surrounding Brazil’s prospects in the qualifiers remains high.
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