Neymar sidelined again as Brazil prepare for final World Cup qualifiers

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not recall Neymar and spared Vinicius Jr for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia in September, with Lucas Paqueta returning to the national team.

The 33-year-old Neymar, who returned to Brazilian club Santos in January, has not worn the Brazil jersey for nearly two years due to repeated injuries.

“Neymar had a small problem last week,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Aug 25, without providing further details on the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward.

According to the Brazilian press, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches has experienced thigh discomfort during training.

His absence from the squad for the final two World Cup qualifying matches was, however, played down by Ancelotti with the five-time champions having already booked their ticket to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Neymar, we don’t need to test him. Everyone knows him. Like the others, he must arrive in good physical condition to help the national team give their best at the World Cup,” added the Italian coach.

Neymar had been called up by Ancelotti’s predecessor Dorival Jr for matches in March – a 2-1 victory against Colombia and a 4-1 defeat by Argentina – but was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury.

In the first two matches under the Italian’s guidance in June, Brazil drew 0-0 in Ecuador before beating Paraguay 1-0, thanks to a goal from Vinicius to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Since returning to boyhood team Santos from Saudi Arabia, Neymar has shown glimpses of his old magic, with six goals in 19 games this term. However, his emotional exit after Santos’ 6-0 defeat by Vasco da Gama on Aug 17, leaving the pitch in tears, highlighted the challenges he continues to face.

Real Madrid attacker Vinicius will be absent from the next training camp. Suspended for the match against Chile on Sept 4 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazil staff preferred to spare him the trip to play at altitude in Bolivia on Sept 9.

Paqueta, meanwhile, is returning after being cleared of betting charges by an independent commission of the English Premier League in July.

The West Ham United midfielder had been absent from the national team since November 2024.

Also returning is Joao Pedro, who has been in great form since joining Chelsea in July.

The 23-year-old forward shone in July at the Club World Cup, scoring both goals that eliminated Fluminense, his boyhood club, in the semi-finals, and the third in the 3-0 victory in the final against PSG.

The squad features a blend of established stars like Alisson Becker, Marquinhos and Casemiro alongside emerging talents, including Chelsea teenager Estevao Willian and the attacking flair of Matheus Cunha and Raphinha, as the Selecao look to end their qualifying campaign on a high note. AFP, REUTERS