Brazil without Neymar and Vinicius as Paqueta back for World Cup qualifiers

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not recall Neymar and spared Vinicius Junior for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next...

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not recall Neymar and spared Vinicius Junior for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next month with Lucas Paqueta returning to the national team.

The 33-year-old Neymar, who returned to Santos in January, has not worn the Brazil jersey for nearly two years due to repeated injuries.

"Neymar had a small problem last week," Ancelotti told a press conference on Monday, without providing further details.

According to the Brazilian press, Brazil's leading all-time scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, has experienced thigh discomfort during training.

His absence from the squad for the final two World Cup qualifying matches was, however, played down by Ancelotti with the five-time champions having already booked their ticket to next year's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.