Brazil’s soccer confederation said Thursday that Neymar will not play in the South American World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay next week due to a groin injury he picked up in a Champions League match for Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said last week it would be “impossible” for Neymar to play for Brazil as he recovered from the injury, but coach Tite insisted that the striker travelled.
Brazil faces Venezuela on Friday, and Neymar was already ruled out for that match.
On Tuesday the team will play against Uruguay in Montevideo.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told journalists Neymar’s recovery after four days of training was not enough so he could be available against Uruguay.
Tite had already called Flamengo striker Pedro for the matches, without removing Neymar from the squad.
Brazil had already lost five players for the two clashes, including three due to injury — midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho, and defender Rodrigo Caio.
Defenders Eder Militao and Gabriel Menino are out after contracting COVID-19.
Follow us on:
