Is Neymar Truly Back? Brazilian Star Still MISSING From Brazil's World Cup Qualifiers Squad

Neymar made his long awaited return to football after being out with an ACL injury for 369 days. Neymar got injured in the October in 2023 during a match against Uruguay and has been in recovery ever since then. He made his return when he was brought on the pitch by his Saudi club Al-Hilal and played a few minutes. Not that Neymar is back from his injury, he is still missing from Brazil's squad for the World Cup qualifiers and there are no reports when Brazil manager Dorival Jr. will include him in the squad. 

Neymar Missing From Brazil's World Cup Qualifiers Squad 

 Neymar is back in action after more than a year out due to a torn ACL but he won’t be playing in Brazil’s last two World Cup qualifiers this year.

Brazil coach Dorival Júnior did not include the star striker in his squad on Friday for matches at Venezuela on Nov. 14 and against Uruguay five days later.

Neymar returned for Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal on Oct. 21 in the AFC Champions League Elite.

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Júnior said he’s talked to Neymar three times in the last two months and the striker wanted to play for the national team.

“He is fully recovered, but he has had just a few minutes of play, and that was a big reason,” Júnior said. “By next year, he will have had more time playing, he will totally recover his confidence.”

Júnior also left out teenage striker Endrick. 

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Brazil is fourth in South American qualifying, six points behind leader Argentina after 10 rounds. The top six teams secure automatic berths in the 2026 World Cup. 

Brazil's Squad For The World Cup Qualifiers 

Brazil:

Goalkeepers: Weverton (Palmeiras), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson ( Manchester City ).

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco) Abner (Lyon), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Murillo (Nottingham Forest) Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain).

Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Raphinha (Barcelona).

Forwards: Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Botafogo), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Savinho (Manchester City) 

(With AP Inputs)