Brazil's new squad: Neymar returns from injury, Paqueta is out

On March 6, local time, the Brazilian national team announced the latest training list. Neymar, 33, was called up again after a year and five months. He has not been selected since he tore the cruciate ligament and meniscus of his left knee against Uruguay in October 2023.

Regarding Neymar's return, Brazil coach Dorival Junior said: "Neymar's significance needs no further explanation. He is in the recovery stage, and we have a clear understanding of this. We also understand that the key factor in his recovery from any injury lies in his strength and ability."

"We have been waiting for him. He is a player that everyone is very familiar with and I hope he can be very happy in his comeback. We should provide the necessary support during his recovery and make him feel at ease. We should not create too high expectations and there is no need to impose all the responsibilities on him."

Brazil will play two World Cup qualifiers on March 20 and 25, against Colombia and Argentina respectively. They are currently ranked fifth with 5 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses, accumulating 18 points, 7 points behind the top Argentina.

Despite this, Dorival still has confidence in the Brazilian team. He said: "Everything is a process, and I believe in the process. The Brazilian team is constantly improving and its performance is gradually improving. If we analyze the last four games, we can find that the team's performance has surpassed the previous level. I have great confidence in the current work. As for Colombia and Argentina, these will be two important derby matches. Games like this will motivate our players more."

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta, 27, is a regular on Dorival's squad, but was not selected this time due to an ankle injury. Dorival explained: "Lucas' absence is first of all a medical problem. He was injured before and missed 15 days after 10 or 11 consecutive games. After returning, he rested for another 11 days. The current situation is quite delicate. Considering that we hope all the players can be ready for the next two games, it is too risky to include him in the list for the first game. If necessary, I do not rule out the possibility that he will suddenly recover from injury and participate in the second game."

Brazil's 23-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Alizarin Cavani), Ederson (Manchester City)

Defenders: Danilo (Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Van Dersen (Monaco), Wesley (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Andre (Wolves), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Gerson (Flamengo), Joelinton (Newcastle United), Mateus Cunha (Wolves), Neymar (Santos)

Forwards: Esteban (Palmeiras), Joao Pedro (Brighton), Rafinha (Barcelona), Rodrigo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)