We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Brazil coach urges patience over Neymar return

Brazil coach urges patience over Neymar return

SPORTS 27.09.2024
Brazil coach urges patience over Neymar return
Brazil coach urges patience over Neymar return / Photo: © AFP

Brazil coach Dorival Junior called for Neymar to be given as much time as he needs to make a complete recovery from a knee injury that has sidelined him for almost a year.

Change text size:

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star ruptured his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty last October.

Neymar had surgery and eventually returned to training in July but the 32-year-old is yet to make his comeback, with Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus this week saying he was not yet ready.

The forward is again missing from the Brazil squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru next month.

"We know how important he is... We're waiting for him, we need to be patient. It doesn't matter if he doesn't return in October, November or just in February," Dorival said on Friday.

"He has to be confident and fully recovered."

Dorival recalled Barcelona winger Raphinha and Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, with Real Madrid trio Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Endrick other attacking options for the five-time world champions.

Brazil have only 10 points from eight qualifiers after losing four of their past five matches, leaving them fifth and just one point above Paraguay, who occupy the play-off spot.

The Selecao face Chile in Santiago on October 10 before a home qualifier against Peru five days later in Brasilia.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Bento (Al Nassr/KSA), Ederson (Manchester City/ENG)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus/ITA), Abner (Lyon/FRA), Vanderson (Monaco/FRA), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Bremer (Juventus/ITA), Eder Militao (Real Madrid/ESP), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Marquinhos (Paris SG/FRA)

Midfielders: Andre (Wolves/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Gerson (Flamengo), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham/ENG)

Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid/ESP), Luiz Henrique (Botafogo), Rodrygo (Real Madrid/ESP), Savinho (Manchester City/ENG), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid/ESP), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP)

P.Sinclair--TNT

Featured

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Change text size: