Neymar, who recently made his comeback with Santos following an ACL injury in October 2023, left Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in January and rejoined his childhood team on a six-month deal.
Currently fifth in the South American qualifying standings, Brazil will face Colombia at home on March 20 before traveling to Buenos Aires to take on group leaders Argentina at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium on March 25.
Dorival Junior commented on Neymar’s inclusion, saying, “He has played two full matches for Santos and has been rested in the closing moments of others. We’ll monitor his performance in the lead-up to our games.”
Brazil Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City).
- Defenders: Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley, Leo Ortiz, Danilo (all Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro).
- Midfielders: André (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Joelinton (Newcastle), Neymar (Santos).
- Forwards: Estêvão (Palmeiras), João Pedro (Brighton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior (both Real Madrid), Savinho (Manchester City), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton).