Rio de Janeiro, March 1 (HS): Neymar has been included in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) gave the above information on Friday.
The 33-year-old has not represented his country since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo in October 2023.
After a long recovery process, Neymar has shown glimpses of his best form since joining childhood club Santos from Al-Hilal in January.
Brazil manager Dorival Junior has also included Real Betis winger Antony, teenage Real Madrid forward Andric and Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Lino in the squad, while veteran midfielder Oscar and Sao Paulo teammate Lucas Moura have also been included in the team.
As expected, the 52-man list includes Real Madrid attackers Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo, Newcastle enforcer Bruno Guimaraes and Barcelona winger Rafinha.
Brazil will face Colombia in Brasilia on March 20 and Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.
Five-time world champions Brazil are currently fifth in the 10-team South American group with 18 points from 12 qualifiers, seven points behind leaders Argentina.
Dorival is expected to announce the final 23-man squad for the matches next week.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
