Rio de Janeiro: Veteran forward Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to a thigh injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Friday.
The 33-year-old, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023 following a knee injury, will be replaced by teenage Real Madrid forward Endrick, reports Xinhua.
Expressing his disappointment, Neymar shared on Instagram, "The return seemed so close, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to wear the most important shirt in the world for the moment. We had long conversations, and everyone knows my desire to return, but we agreed that it’s best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury."
Brazil is set to face Colombia in Brasilia on March 20, followed by a clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later. The five-time world champions currently sit fifth in the 10-team South American group with 18 points from 12 qualifiers, trailing leaders Argentina by seven points.
Since returning to his boyhood club Santos from Al-Hilal in January, Neymar has shown glimpses of his top form, scoring three goals—including a spectacular direct strike from a corner—and providing three assists in seven matches.
The CBF also announced squad changes, with Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri and Flamengo defender Alex Sandro replacing Manchester City's Ederson and Flamengo right-back Danilo.
Endrick, who has already earned 13 caps for Brazil and scored three goals, has netted six times in 28 appearances for Real Madrid this season.
With IANS inputs