Brazilian coach Dorival Junior believes Neymar can still improve Brazil’s football performance despite his recent injury troubles.
He spoke about Neymar’s future with the national team after the star’s latest setback.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament). After being out for a year, Neymar returned to play for Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League.
However, he got injured again two weeks ago. This led to the decision not to include him in Brazil’s recent matches, which ended in 1-1 draws with Venezuela and Uruguay.
Dorival praised Neymar, saying, “I have never hidden my admiration for him. We all know how capable he is,” the coach said of the 32-year-old forward. “I would like him to return to the team at a time when the team can support him. I hope that happens again in March, or the following year. All we want is for him to be fully fit so that he can do his best. I have no doubt that with Neymar, the national team’s performance will be even better.”
The coach also explained why Neymar was not called up, saying, “We were right not to call him up last time, especially because of what happened later, his injury. We were very cautious and safe, because we were monitoring his situation. We took the right approach. First, we want him to recover his conditions at the club, and then he returns to the national team, because he is essential.”
Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal ends this season, and there is talk of him returning to Santos, where his career began. However, his agent denied any discussions about ending his time at the Saudi club early.
