In a call that underscores the fragility of recent soccer careers, Neymar Jr. will miss Brazil’s remaining World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Chile and Bolivia attributable to a minor leg harm suffered final week throughout coaching with Santos.
The 33-year-old ahead sustained a muscle edema in his proper thigh, prompting nationwide crew coach Carlo Ancelotti to depart him out of the squad. Ancelotti defined that the depth of the upcoming matches required gamers in prime bodily situation and {that a} cautious method with Neymar is warranted to protect his long-term health for the 2026 World Cup.
This omission extends Neymar’s absence from Brazil’s lineup to almost two years, relationship again to his ACL and meniscus rupture in October 2023. His current emotional exit after Santos’s 6‑0 defeat to Vasco solely highlighted the continued wrestle he faces in regaining full type.
Brazil’s full squad for Chile and Bolivia
Carlo Ancelotti has unveiled a 23-man Brazil squad that emphasizes health and present type. Notably absent is Neymar, signaling a pivot towards gamers in peak aggressive rhythm. The roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Hugo SouzaDefenders: Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Fabricio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Vanderson, WesleyMidfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Joelinton, Andrey Santos, Lucas Paqueta (coming back from West Ham)Forwards: Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Estêvão (rising star from Chelsea), Richarlison
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Neymar: as soon as the heartbeat of Brazil, now sidelined
For nicely over a decade, Neymar has been synonymous with Brazilian soccer, carrying the long-lasting No. 10 jersey and steering the nationwide crew via World Cups and Copa América campaigns. But his repeated harm setbacks — from the devastating knee ligament rupture in 2023 to the newest thigh muscle challenge — have eroded his reliability on the worldwide stage.
With this omission, Ancelotti is signaling a shift. The coach has emphasised the significance of getting Neymar again at full power for future fixtures reasonably than risking additional harm in a grueling qualifier window.
A transitional period for Brazil’s offense
Brazil’s newest call-up hints at a brand new chapter: reasonably than leaning on one famous person, the crew is leveraging a collective attacking technique, integrating youth like Estêvão and Martinelli with confirmed names like Raphinha and Richarlison. Veteran leaders like Casemiro and Marquinhos present important stability, making certain Brazil stays aggressive even with out its most well-known ahead.
