Brazil has called the adolescent striker Endrick to replace Neymar for the World Cup qualifiers this month after the Santos attacker picked up a muscle injury.
Neymar had to make his return of Selecao after an absence of 17 months due to a knee injury he suffered against Uruguay in October 2023.
But the 33 -year -old has now had a new setback, discarding it from the qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
“The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I will not be able to wear the most important shirt in the world at the moment,” he wrote on Instagram.
“We had long conversations and everyone knows about my desire to return, but we remember that it is better not to take risks and prepare the best possible to completely eradicate the injury.”
After a difficult spell in the Saudi Pro League Al-Hilal team, Neymar returned to the Santos Childhood Club in January and has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven appearances in the highest Brazilian category.
Only Cafu (142) has more limits for Brazil than Neymar (128), which is the record scorer of his country with 79 goals, two more than Pelé.
Brazil chief coach, Dorival JR, also called Lyon Lucas Perri goalkeeper for Ederson and Flamengo defender of Manchester City, Alex Sandro, to replace the teammate Danilo.
Endrick, 18, has made 28 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring six goals.
He has made 13 senior appearances for Brazil and scored three goals.
