Brazilian forward Neymar will not be available for the national team's final friendly matches before manager Carlo Ancelotti names his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Dorival Júnior confirmed the star's absence for the fixtures against England on March 23 and Spain on March 26.
The 32-year-old Al Hilal player is continuing his recovery from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus tear sustained in October 2023 while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier. His rehabilitation timeline has been a subject of close monitoring.
"Unfortunately, we will not be able to count on Neymar," Dorival Júnior stated in a press conference. "He is still in a recovery process. We wish him a speedy recovery, but for these matches, he is out." The friendlies represent the last scheduled matches for Brazil before Ancelotti is expected to finalize his World Cup roster.
Neymar's absence provides an opportunity for other attacking players to stake their claim for a spot in the final squad. Brazil will face England at Wembley Stadium before taking on Spain at the Santiago Bernabéu.
