Neymar named in preliminary Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

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.(UNI)