Neymar To Miss World Cup Qualifiers Due To Injury

Neymar was ruled out of Brazil's squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to a muscle injury. The 33-year-old striker was recalled by Brazil this month after an absence of 17 months. Brazil has called up Endrick to replace Neymar for the qualifiers.

"The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won't be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment," wrote Neymar on social media, expressing his disappointment at missing the games. "We had long conversations and everyone knows of my desire to return, but we agreed that it's best not to take any risks and prepare as best as possible to completely eradicate the injury," Neymar added.

The striker had been named in the national squad after returning to fitness following a move to boyhood club Santos in the January transfer window. Brazil has two games coming up, against Colombia on March 20 and against Argentina five days later.