"They went out in the quarter-finals at the 2024 Copa America, then limped through Conmebol qualifying for the Geopolitics World Cup, finishing fifth after six defeats to Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina (twice), Paraguay and Bolivia with their lowest points tally since South America switched to an 18-game format for the 2002 tournament."
"The 128-cap, 79-goal forward hasn't played for his country since October 2023 when he suffered ACL-knack in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. He returned to play more than 2,000 minutes for Santos last season and, after another injury setback, was back in action for his club side in February."
"Ancelotti did not close the door when announcing his squad this week—Neymar is not at 100% of his capability. If he can be at 100% physically, he can be there—but time is not on his side."
Brazil's recent performance has been disappointing despite retaining several key players from their 2022 squad including Marquinhos, Alisson, Ederson, Casemiro, Vinicius Junior, and others. The team finished fifth in Conmebol qualifying with six defeats and their lowest points tally since 2002. Recent friendlies showed struggles with losses to Japan and draws against Tunisia. New call-ups include Igor Thiago and teenager Rayan. However, Neymar's absence looms large after suffering an ACL injury in October 2023. Though he has returned to club action, manager Carlo Ancelotti indicated Neymar remains below full fitness for international selection.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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