Neymar Ruled Out of Brazil's FIFA World Cup Qualifier Against Argentina

Brazilian football star Neymar has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to fitness issues.

Coach Dorival Júnior released a video statement in which the Brazilian Football Confederation announced that Neymar, Ederson, and Danilo were not included in the squad for unknown reasons.

The 33-year-old striker last played on March 2 but was substituted because of what appeared to be a left thigh injury. He recently returned to his old team, Santos, in January. He was taking it easy in preparation for the semifinal matchup with Corinthians in the Sao Paulo state championship a few days later.

Endrick, a young, talented striker for Real Madrid, has been called up to the national team squad due to Neymar's absence. Ederson is replaced by Lucas Perri of Lyon, and Alex Sandro, a Brazil veteran and clubmate, replaces Flamengo defender Danilo.

Neymar's return to the national team setup this month was a significant milestone, as he had been out for nearly a year and a half due to an ACL injury sustained in October 2023 while playing for Brazil against Uruguay. His recent recovery and return to action had raised expectations of his participation in the upcoming qualifiers.

Brazil, currently fifth in the South American qualifying standings, faces a critical double-header against Colombia on March 20 before traveling to Buenos Aires to face group leaders Argentina five days later.

The absence of key players such as Neymar, Ederson, and Danilo will undoubtedly be a challenge for the Brazilian team. However, it also allows emerging talents like Endrick and others to step up and demonstrate their abilities on a global scale.