• Neymar returns to the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
• He has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven matches since rejoining Santos.
• The 33-year-old's last appearance for Brazil was in October 2023 due to a knee injury.
• Brazil is currently fifth in the CONMEBOL qualifying table ahead of crucial matches.
• Coach Dorival Junior is optimistic about Neymar's contributions and the team's performance.

Brazil has officially recalled forward Neymar to the national team after a 17-month absence, as he prepares to compete in crucial World Cup qualifiers against Colombia on March 21 and Argentina five days later. This decision follows a successful return to his boyhood club, Santos, where he netted three goals and provided three assists in just seven appearances since January.

The 33-year-old's journey back to the squad comes after struggling with a knee injury sustained last October during a match against Uruguay, which significantly sidelined him from international football. Coach Dorival Junior acknowledged Neymar's current form, saying, "It's a situation to be analysed. He's already played 90 minutes in two matches for Santos."

Neymar, Brazil's record scorer with 79 goals, boasts 128 caps, trailing only Cafu in terms of appearances for the national team. Earlier, he experienced an underwhelming spell with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League but has shown marked improvement since his return to Brazil.

As Brazil prepares for these vital matches, the team finds itself in fifth place in the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 18 points accumulated from 12 matches. The top six teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, making the upcoming games crucial. "We have enough quality to go for great results," Dorival noted confidently.

The squad will feature a strong lineup, including goalkeeper Alisson from Liverpool and Ederson from Manchester City, along with several other Premier League players. The match against Argentina is particularly anticipated, as it holds the potential for Neymar to square off against his former teammates, including Lionel Messi.

For complete details on the squad selection, visit Reuters and Channel News Asia.