31.7 C
Delhi
Monday, April 21, 2025

Neymar named in preliminary Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

Date:

Share post:

Donate-GC-Razorpay

Rio De Janeiro: Neymar has been included in Brazil’s preliminary squad for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday.

The 33-year-old has not represented his country since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo in October 2023.

After a long recovery process, the 33-year-old has shown glimpses of his best form since joining boyhood club Santos from Al-Hilal in January.

Brazil manager Dorival Junior also named Real Betis winger Antony, teenage Real Madrid forward Endrick and Atletico Madrid’s Samuel Lino while including experienced midfielder Oscar and Sao Paulo teammate Lucas Moura.

As expected, the 52-man list features Real Madrid attackers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, Newcastle enforcer Bruno Guimaraes and Barcelona winger Raphinha.

Brazil will meet Colombia in Brasilia on March 20 and Argentina in Buenos Aires five days later.

The five-time world champions are currently fifth in the 10-team South American group with 18 points from 12 qualifiers, seven points behind leaders Argentina.

Dorival is expected to announce a final 23-man squad for the matches next week.

Related articles

Truth behind ‘anti-Waqf amendment’ sentiment narrative spun around Murshidabad violence

History keeps repeating itself in India when it comes to Hindus being rendered homeless and living a life...

Murshidabad incident should be investigated by NIA: VHP International President Alok Kumar

The International President of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Senior Advocate, Alok Kumar, has expressed his concern over...

Why Tamil Nadu Needs Jayalalithaa (Amma) Once Again

It has been years since the iron-willed matriarch of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa — lovingly called Amma by...

Canadians turn up for advance voting

Ottawa: Canada's federal election advance polls opened on Friday, giving voters several days to cast their ballots ahead...