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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Neymar initially called up by Brazil</li><li>Suffers thigh injury with Santos</li><li>Cut from squad for qualifiers</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Neymar return delayed! Santos hero made to wait for next Brazil appearance as Dorival Jr cuts him from squad

<p>The 33-year-old was a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-back-for-brazil-santos-international-call-up-antony-misses-cut-real-betis/blt9d87ccae3b2cfe20" target="_blank">surprise call-up for Brazil's upcoming internationals</a> earlier this month but now <a href="https://ge.globo.com/sp/santos-e-regiao/futebol/times/santos/noticia/2025/03/14/neymar-passa-semana-em-tratamento-no-santos-e-deve-ser-cortado-de-lista-da-selecao.ghtml" target="_blank"><em>Globo</em></a> reports the veteran is 'not physically fit enough' due to a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-is-indefensible-santos-star-brutally-told-he-doesn-t-take-football-seriously-after-missing-corinthians-clash-following-trip-to-rio-carnival/bltb0b41e4ddef98c19" target="_blank">thigh injury</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Neymar has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/neymar-football-genius-santos-boss-blown-away-brazilian-superstar-lionel-messi-request/blt643085ab7b19e915" target="_blank">rekindled his love for football</a> following his move from Al-Hilal to Santos earlier this year, with the ex-Barcelona man scoring three goals and bagging as many assists in seven appearances. He has even been linked with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/santos-president-update-neymar-future-transfer-barcelona-bayern-munich/blt10d166edf86dcdaf" target="_blank">Barcelona and Bayern Munich</a> but it seems his return to the Brazil team has been put on hold for now.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The report adds that along with Neymar, Flamengo right-back Danilo and Manchester City goalkeeper Éderson have been withdrawn from the squad. As a result, Real Madrid's Endrick, Flamengo full-back Alex Sandro and Lyon's Lucas Perri have taken their place.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Dorival Junior's Brazil side take on Colombia and Argentina in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers on March 21 and 26 respectively.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Neymar return delayed! Santos hero made to wait for next Brazil appearance as Dorival Jr cuts him from squad | Goal.com

Neymar&apos;s wait for his next Brazil cap will continue after the Santos forward was withdrawn from their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.