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Neymar's Brazil return delayed until March 2025 for World Cup qualifiers

31. October 2024
Neymar (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Brazil’s Neymar Jr. will not be called up for the November FIFA dates, delaying his return to the national team until March 2025.

Although Neymar Jr. has been medically cleared and recently returned to action with Al-Hilal, his comeback with the Seleçao will be postponed until March 2025. This delay is a major disappointment for Brazil fans eager for his return amidst the national team’s current struggles.

According to ESPN Brazil, Brazil coach Dorival Junior has decided not to include Neymar in the squad announcement set for Friday, for the two upcoming World Cup qualifiers in November. Brazil will face Venezuela on November 14 in Maturín and Uruguay on November 19 in Salvador.

The Brazilian technical staff reportedly informed Neymar of the decision, which stems from his limited game time with Al-Hilal. Neymar only played 14 minutes in his team’s recent Asian Champions League victory over Al-Ain, and he is not expected to play in the Saudi Pro League until January. Despite being available for Al Hilal's recent King’s Cup match against Al Tai, coach Jorge Jesus opted to keep him on a training plan instead.

Neymar’s next potential appearance for Brazil will come during the March FIFA dates, where he will face tough qualifiers against Colombia in Brazil and Argentina in Buenos Aires. His last match for Brazil was on November 17, 2023, when he suffered a left knee injury in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in Montevideo.

Without Neymar, Brazil has missed his influence. Vinicius Jr., expected to take on a leadership role, has struggled, scoring only once since Neymar’s injury. His performance in the Copa América and recent qualifiers has been disappointing, leading to his public apology for behavior on the field. Vinicius, like Mbappé for France, also opted out of the October FIFA dates, reportedly with the approval of Real Madrid’s Florentino Pérez.

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