Real Madrid trio Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Endrick are expected to play in Brazil’s attacking game for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Ecuador on Friday, but the former Barcelona star Neymar The five-time world champion will be missing again.

La Seleção got off to a rocky start in qualifying. three defeats in the first six games, which put them in sixth place in the table, 11 points behind leaders and arch-rivals Argentina. Their position was affected by the absence of Neymar, who missed the last two 2023 qualifying matches, both ended in defeat.

The 32-year-old suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in the match for Brazil against Uruguay in their fourth qualifying match in October 2023which they also lost away. A crying Neymar was carried off the field on a stretcher shortly before half-time and hasn’t played since then.

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When will Neymar return from his injury?

There was a small hope that the Al Hilal assassin could return in time for the Copa América 2024although that proved to be far too optimistic. However, he traveled to the United States to support his international teammates.

Neymar has accelerated his recovery in recent weeks, but Jorge Jesus, the head coach of the Saudi Pro League team, believes The Brazilian star will not be ready to resume full training until November.

Al Hilal must submit their final player list for the Saudi Pro League season by September 9, which can only include eight foreign players. Since they have nine players under contract and Neymar is still some time away from his return, He could be temporarily omitted before being registered after the winter break in December.

There is a chance Neymar could play for Brazil again before his next appearance for Al Hilalalthough the November qualifiers away against Venezuela and at home against Uruguay probably comes too earlyespecially if he hasn’t had any playing time before.