Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images

Breaking News Involving Neymar Jr. Emerges On Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 11:47 AM ET

Near the end of this month, the FIFA international break will see multiple national teams playing in friendly matches to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

The Brazilian national team will play against France and Croatia later this month, and Brazil's head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is set to announce the final squad list for the friendly matches.

Acnelotti reportedly has a pre-list for the March call-up, and will include players that has not been called up in previous friendly matches in the past few months.

One of the players who is reportedly a part of the pre-list is Neymar Jr., who currently plays for Santos FC in the Brazilian league.

Neymar Jr of Santos celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team during a Brasileirao 2026 match between Santos and Vasco da Gama at Estadio Urbano Caldeira on February 26, 2026 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images

There was worry among some Brazilian fans that Neymar would not be considered for the upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia, which could have ruled him out of any possibility of featuring for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup.

Lucas Musetti reports that Neymar is on the pre-list for the next call-up and was expected to be monitored by Ancelotti during the Mirassol vs Santos FC match in the Brazilian Serie A.

However, Neymar is not available for the match against Mirassol due to muscle fatigue, and he will be rested for the game tomorrow.

Neymar is expected to play in Santos' game against Corinthians on Sunday, where he is likely to be monitored by Ancelotti.

Santos FC: "The attacking midfielder Neymar Júnior trained normally on the morning of this Monday (9). Following a load control program, the athlete will not be available to head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda for Santos FC's match against Mirassol, this Tuesday (9). Intensifying muscular workouts, Neymar Jr will train normally this Tuesday (10) with the non-listed athletes at CT Rei Pelé. The attacking midfielder will be available for the classic against Corinthians, next Sunday (15), at Vila Belmiro."

Neymar's Recent Form with Santos FC

Neymar returned to match fitness in early February and played his first game back from injury against Velo Clube in Paulista A1.

The Brazilian star provided an assist within 45 minutes against Velo Clube. Neymar started against Novorizontino in the Paulista A1 quarterfinals, where Santos lost 2-1.

Neymar's previous match for Santos was against Vasco da Gama, where he scored a brace to give Santos a 2-1 win.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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