Neymar will not feature in Brazil’s concluding World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next week, stretching his absence from international duty to almost two years.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti left the 33-year-old Santos forward out of the 23-man squad announced on Monday, citing a minor leg muscle injury sustained last week. Brazil have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament damage that derailed his international career.
“Neymar sustained a minor injury last week. These will be the final two matches of the qualifiers and it will be very demanding, so we need players in their prime conditions so we can perform at the highest level,” Ancelotti told reporters in São Paulo.
The Italian coach, who has reiterated his commitment to having Neymar ready for the 2026 World Cup, stressed the need for caution. “We don’t need to evaluate Neymar, we all know who he is and what he is capable of. We need him in peak condition so he can help the national team the way we all know he can,” he added.
Neymar’s return to boyhood club Santos after a stint in Saudi Arabia has produced six goals in 19 games this season. However, his emotional reaction after Santos’ 6-0 defeat to Vasco last Sunday leaving the pitch in tears underscored the physical and psychological hurdles he continues to face.
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Brazil’s squad features a mix of experienced players such as Alisson, Marquinhos and Casemiro, alongside young talents including Chelsea’s teenage prodigy Estevao. West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá also makes his return to the side as Brazil aim to close their qualifying campaign on a strong note.
Brazil Squad List
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham).
Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham)
