Neymar returns to Brazil squad for the first time since 2023
He hasn't played for the Seleção since October 2023 due to injuries.
BERLIN - Forward Neymar has been called up to the Brazil national team for the first time since 2023 as coach Dorival Junior named his squad on Tuesday for the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers, reported German news agency dpa.
Neymar hasn't played for the Seleção since October 2023 due to injuries. Since then, he left Paris-Saint Germain to join Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, and most recently returned to boyhood club Santos.
Dorival asked for caution ahead of the player's comeback to the national team.
"No one needs to talk about what Neymar represents. He is currently going through a recovery process. We understand this and are aware of it.
"Let's not create high expectations, putting all responsibility on his return. We must have balance and consistency in these two games, which will be very difficult, but also to our opponents," Dorival said.
Brazil face Colombia on March 20 and world champions Argentina on March 25. They currently sit fifth in the standings, 18 points behind leaders Argentina.
The top six teams qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. - BERNAMA-dpa
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