SAO PAULO: Brazil star Neymar was on Friday ruled out of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina after a thigh injury scuppered his recall to the national team.

Neymar has spent almost a year and a half out of the Brazil side due to injuries, but had appeared rejuvenated since his return to Santos in February.

But in the past two weeks he has been plagued by the left thigh injury.

In an Instagram story, the striker expressed his disappointment at missing the games.

“The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won’t be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment,” he wrote. “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.”

With Brazil down in fifth place in South American World Cup qualifying, coach Dorival Junior had recalled Brazil’s top scorer with 79 goals to the side he last represented in October 2023.

Neymar, 33, scored for the first time in over 14 months two weeks ago, opening his account for Santos since his return to his boyhood club.

Teenage Real Madrid striker Endrick Endrick will take his place, the country’s FA announced on Friday.

Coach Dorival Jr has also called up Flamengo defender Alex Sandro to replace team-mate Danilo, and Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Lucas Perri for Manchester City’s Ederson.

“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.”

Brazil play fourth-placed Colombia in Brasilia on March 20 and face bitter rivals and defending champions Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.

The top six teams qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2025