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Star Brazilian footballer Neymar has been forced to miss Brazil’s upcoming clash against Colombia and Argentina in the FIFA World Cup qualifier, set to take place on March 20 and 25. It is to be noted that a call on Neymar was taken after fitness concerns reported by the forward.
The decision came on Saturday, March 15 after Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed through a video statement by coach Dorival Junior. Although, the coach cited unspecified reasons for the exclusions, including the omission of goalkeeper Ederson and defender Danilo from the squad.
Endrick replaces Neymar in Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers
The 33-year-old striker last played on March 2 but was substituted due to an apparent thigh injury. As a precautionary measure, he was then rested for the Sao Paulo State Championship semifinal against Corinthians. In his absence, Real Madrid striker Endrick has been called up into the national side.
While Endrick will replace Neymar, Ederson’s replacement is Lyon’s Lucas Perri, while Flamengo defender Danilo has been replaced by his club teammate and Brazil veteran Alex Sandro. "Over the last few days, the Brazilian national team’s medical department has been updating us on the situation of all the players, especially Danilo, Neymar and Ederson,” Dorival Jr said in a CBF statement. “After the assessments, the national team’s medical department updated us on the situation of each player. So we’re calling up Lucas Perri from Lyon, Alex Sandro from Flamengo and Endrick from Real Madrid,” he added.
Neymar Jr reacts after being ruled out of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers
The 33-year-old took to Instagram story to share his disappointment on missing from squad for the crucial matches. The forward wrote in Portuguese, which translates to, “The return seemed so claose, but unfortunately I won’t be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment.”
"We had long conversations and everyone knows of my desire to return, but we agreed that it's best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury," he added.
Brazil are currently placed fifth in the South American qualifying standings and will take on Colombia on march 21 before travelling to Buenos Aires to take on group leaders Argentina on March 25.
