As the next round of international fixtures approaches, many expected to see Neymar Jr return to Brazil’s roster after recently featuring for Santos and being included in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list. However, a new setback could leave him out of the squad once again.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Neymar has suffered a thigh injury during the week. Ancelotti wanted to call the forward as part of Brazil’s squad for September, but the injury now puts his participation in serious doubt.
The former Barcelona and PSG star was already unavailable for Sunday’s clash against Bahia in the Brazilian league, as he must serve a one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation. The absence has fueled speculation about his short-term future with both club and country.
Club sources told Geglobo that Neymar felt discomfort in training and has been placed under treatment for at least one week. If his recovery stays on schedule, he could return on August 31 when Santos face Fluminense in the Brazilian league.
What happened to Neymar?
Santos confirmed on Sunday, August 24, that Neymar is dealing with a muscular edema in his right thigh. The injury comes just as Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti prepares to announce Brazil’s squad for the final two matches of the South American World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. The first match will be played in Rio de Janeiro on September 4, while the second is set for El Alto, near La Paz, in what will be the last round of the qualification campaign.
When was Neymar’s last game for Brazil?
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, sidelined repeatedly by physical problems. This call-up would have marked his long-awaited return to the national team. Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil earlier this year after leaving Real Madrid, is expected to announce his roster on Monday, and Neymar had been one of the most anticipated inclusions.
This latest injury not only delays Neymar’s comeback on the international stage but also raises fresh questions about his durability at a key moment for both Santos and Brazil. Supporters of both teams hoped to see him back in form, but his status now remains uncertain with critical matches on the horizon.
The coming days will determine whether Neymar can overcome this setback and join Brazil’s final push in the qualifiers. For now, both Santos and Brazil wait anxiously for updates, as their star forward fights against time once again.