The Brazil head coach has addressed Neymar's future with the national team following yet another injury setback for the attacker.
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The 32-year-old has not played for the Selecao since suffering ligament damage to his knee in October 2023. The injury sidelined him for a year, with the Mogi das Cruzes native only recently making his return in the AFC Champions League for Al Hilal.
However, during a match against Pitso Mosimane's Esteghlal FC, Neymar suffered yet another injury, this time to his hamstring.
His long-term absence has coincided with Brazil's struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, with the record world champions currently sitting fifth in the CONMEBOL qualification standings.
While concerns persist about Neymar's ability and fitness, Brazil's head coach Dorival Junior is optimistic about the forward's return to aid their qualification efforts.
"I have never hidden my admiration for him. We all know how capable he is," the 62-year-old said about Neymar, as per Goal.
"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. I think that back then it would have been too early to imagine a return. If he were fit, he would already be accelerating this process for us.
"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.
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"First, we want him to recover his conditions at the club, and then he returns to the national team, because he is essential, yes. I have no doubt that he will continue to grow with the team."
