Brazil have announced their provisional squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
Brazilian football fans are buzzing as Neymar looks set to make his long-awaited return to the national team after 17 months on the sidelines due to injury.
The all-time leading goal scorer has been named in Brazil’s provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
 "He's back! Brazil recall their all-time leading goal machine for World Cup qualifiers for the first time in 2 years 1")
Barcelona reportedly informed Neymar’s entourage of their condition to consider signing the Brazilian in the summer.
Long road to recovery
Brazilian star Neymar | Imago
Neymar has been out of action since October 2023, when he suffered a devastating ACL and meniscus injury in his left knee while on international duty.
The setback kept him away from the Selecão for almost a year and a half.
The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, in the winter transfer window, looking to regain his best form.
After scoring three goals in his past four games, the forward declared he was “getting back into my best physical shape” following a recent 2-0 win against Bragantino.
 "He's back! Brazil recall their all-time leading goal machine for World Cup qualifiers for the first time in 2 years 3")
Neymar revealed how he helped Lionel Messi develop a particular technique.
Dorival Júnior backs Neymar’s comeback
Neymar at Santos | IMAGO
Brazil coach Dorival Júnior didn’t hesitate to include Neymar in the squad, praising the star’s quality and leadership.
“There’s no need to talk about what Neymar represents,” the coach said.
“He is currently recovering his form… we believe his abilities and qualities allow him to be in a condition to overcome any situation on the field.”
Neymar himself couldn’t hide his excitement, sharing a photo on Instagram of him watching the squad announcement with the caption: “Happy to be back!”
Credit: Instagram story/Neymar
Neymar Jr. surpassed the great Pelé as the country’s top male all-time scorer, after netting a brace in Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia during a World Cup qualifying fixture in 2023.
Only Cafu (142) has more caps for Brazil than Neymar (128); who is his country’s record scorer with 79 goals, two more than Pele.
Without Neymar, Brazil has struggled in the qualifiers, winning just five of their 12 games and sitting fifth in the South American group — seven points behind leaders Argentina.
The Selecão will face Colombia in Brasilia on March 20 before heading to Buenos Aires for a mouthwatering clásico showdown against Copa America champions Argentina five days later.
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