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Brazil’s dream of seeing it’s all time top scorer back in the yellow jersey has been delayed after Neymar suffered another injury

Neymar’s long-awaited comeback to Brazil’s national team has been put on ice yet again, as the injury-plagued superstar was forced to withdraw from the squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

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Despite being named in Dorival Júnior’s 23-man squad, the Santos forward has been dealing with a left thigh injury, dashing hopes of his return to the international stage.

Brazil’s medical team pulls the plug on Neymar’s return

Brazilian fans were buzzing with excitement when Neymar’s name appeared on the Seleção’s squad list, but their joy was short-lived.

In a video released by the Brazilian Football Federation, head coach Dorival Júnior announced that Neymar, along with Danilo and Ederson, had failed to prove their fitness in time.

The Brazil head coach said, “After the evaluations carried out, these players—Neymar Jr., Danilo, and Ederson—are in a recovery process with their respective clubs. Therefore, they won’t be ready to represent Brazil in the upcoming FIFA qualifier matches.”

Neymar, who missed Santos’ league clash against Corinthians over the weekend, was spotted attempting to warm up before quickly sitting back down in visible discomfort.

Neymar replaced by Real Madrid youngster

With Neymar’s return now postponed, Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick has been called up to fill the void left by Brazil’s all-time top scorer, while Alex Sandro and Lucas Perri step in for Danilo and Ederson, respectively.

Neymar’s last competitive international appearance came in the October 2023 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, where he suffered a devastating ACL tear. Since then, he’s been on a gruelling road to recovery, with multiple setbacks keeping him off the pitch.

Now, the June qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay have emerged as the next possible window for his long-overdue return to international duty.

Until then, Brazil will turn to Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinícius Junior, and Endrick to lead the line in their crucial clashes against Copa America finalists Colombia and Argentina.

With Brazil struggling in the Conmebol standings, all eyes will be on their young attacking talents to step up in Neymar’s absence.