Neymar is not expected to return to the Brazilian national team until 2025. Although the No10 was expected to be called up for the last FIFA date of 2024, Brazil’s coaching staff and Al-Hilal decided to keep him out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay in November.
Since recovering from surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Neymar has played just once, totalling 27 minutes in Al-Hilal’s win over Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League. According to the website ge.globo, the national team doctor, Dr Rodrigo Lasmar, who also conducted Neymar’s surgery, approved his return, but recommended that the player acquire rhythm and physical conditioning with his club before returning to the national team.
Neymar’s absence doesn’t worry Brazil, who have won their last qualifying matches and are in fourth place with 16 points. The squad for the November matches will be announced by coach Dorival Júnior at CBF headquarters.