Neymar returns to Brazil squad after 17-month injury absence

Neymar has been named in Brazil's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, ending a 17-month absence from the team.

The 33-year-old has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Uruguay.

Neymar has scored a record 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil and has featured in three World Cups. He recently expressed his hopes of being able to play in the 2026 tournament in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Neymar endured a disappointing spell at Al-Hilal, where he made just seven appearances in 18 months due to his ACL injury, and returned to his boyhood club Santos in January on a six-month deal.

In seven matches, he has scored three goals and registered three assists as he looks to rediscover his form from before the injury.

Asked how much game time Neymar would get in the World Cup qualifiers, head coach Dorival Junior said: "It's a situation to be analysed. He's already played 90 minutes in two matches for Santos.

"In some of those games, he was substituted in the final moments. [His minutes in the games] will decide the spell he's going to have now, the way he's going to perform here. We'll analyse how he's doing.

"We were waiting for him to return; this is the first opportunity that we could have him [since recovering from injury]. I hope he is very happy when he returns. Let's give him the confidence to develop to the best of his ability. Let's not create high expectations, let's not place all the responsibility on his return."

Brazil have struggled in World Cup qualifying without Neymar, who played in their first four games.

They currently sit fifth in their qualifying group, seven points behind leaders Argentina after 12 games. They have lost four of their games so far.

There are notable absences from Dorival's squad, with Antony not included despite his impressive form since joining Real Betis on loan from Manchester United, while Real Madrid's Endrick is also left out.

"We have to show consistency in these matches," Dorival said. "It's natural that we're not satisfied at this point in qualifying, but a lot can happen.

"In our last four games, I believe we've already shown a higher level than what we've shown before. I trust in the work that we're all doing. I have no doubt that we'll play great 'clasico' games."

Brazil squad: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City), Danilo (Flamengo), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Wesley Franca (Flamengo), Vanderson (Monaco), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Andre (Wolves), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Gerson (Flamengo), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Neymar (Santos), Joelinton (Newcastle United), Estevao (Palmeiras), Joao Pedro (Brighton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).