Desk Reports :
Neymar seems to be more popular when he is in the discussion. He is talked about more on other issues than his performance on the field. This time, he made a suggestive comment about not getting a place in the Brazil team. Although he did not say it directly, he pointed the finger of complaint at coach Carlo Ancelotti in a gesture.
Neymar had a possibility of returning to international football after about 23 months. Reports in the Brazilian media and Globo indicated that he could return with a match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. But when the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) announced the 25-man squad on August 25, Neymar’s name was not found there. The explanation for his omission was an injury.
Neymar made an explosive comment a week after the team was announced. He played the full 90 minutes in the match against Fluminense held yesterday morning Bangladesh time. After the Santos-Fluminense match draw, the Brazilian forward said, “There was a slight problem with the muscle. But it was not serious. If that had happened, I would not have been able to play today (yesterday). But I played today.’
Santos played their last two matches on August 24 and 31 against Bahia and Fluminense. In those two matches, Neymar could not play due to a yellow card ban in the match against Bahia. After the match against Fluminense yesterday, the Brazil forward said, ‘I did not have the opportunity to play against Bahia on August 24. I was dropped after a few practices. Later, I was given a rest.’
Brazil will play two World Cup qualifiers in September. Explaining why he was not taken for those two matches, coach Carlo Ancelotti said, ‘Neymar has a minor injury. We do not need to evaluate Neymar. We need to get him in the best condition for the national team.’ Brazil’s opponents in the two World Cup qualifiers in September are Chile and Bolivia. The Brazil-Chile match will start at 6:30 am Bangladesh time on September 5 at the Maracana. Brazil will play the next match at the Municipal El Alto Stadium. The Brazil-Bolivia match will start at 5:30 am Bangladesh time.
Neymar has been struggling with injuries for the past two years. That’s why he signed a two-year contract with Al Hilal in August 2023, but the Saudi club terminated his contract with him in January this year. The forward has been repeatedly injured even after returning to his childhood club Santos. Meanwhile, Neymar’s Brazil is third in the South American World Cup qualifiers with 25 points from 16 matches. Although Ecuador has 25 points, they are second on goal difference. Argentina is at the top with 35 points. All have played 16 matches each.