2026 FIFA WCQ: Neymar regrets injury as Endrick takes his place in Brazil squad
Football superstar and Santos forward, Neymar has released a statement after he left the national team due to injury.
In a post on his Instagram story on Friday, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star also thanked everyone who sent him messages of support.
Neymar wrote: “The return seemed so close but unfortunately I won’t be able to return to wearing the heaviest shirt in the world in this moment!”.
“We had long conversations and everyone knows the great desire I have to return but we came to a consensus and decided not to risk it for me to better prepare myself and be completely injury free!”.
“Thank you to those who sent me messages of support. “It’s part of the process.’’
In his place, Brazil have called up Real Madrid's teenage forward Endrick, as well as Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri and Flamengo defender Alex Sandro.
"Following the original call-up, the Brazil national team's medical department has been updating us regarding the situation of all the players, especially Danilo from Flamengo, Neymar from Santos, and Ederson from Manchester City," Brazil coach Dorival Jr. said through a CBF statement.
"After the evaluations carried out, we decided to call up Lucas Perri from Lyon, Alex Sandro from Flamengo, and Endrick from Real Madrid to replace the injured players."
Brazil, who sit fifth in the South American World Cup qualifying table, will host Colombia on Thursday before visiting rival Argentina on March 25. The top six teams qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
