Mar 15, Kathmandu- Brazil's star striker Neymar will not play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina in March due to a thigh injury.

Neymar had been out of the Brazil squad for almost a year and a half due to injury but returned to Santos in February.

He last represented Brazil with 79 goals in October 2023 during Dorival Junior's coaching career when Brazil finished fifth in South American World Cup qualifying. He is the top scorer among current Brazilian players, with 79 goals.

Brazil will face Colombia in Brasilia on March 20, before taking on arch-rivals and defending champions Argentina five days later in Buenos Aires.

Neymar, 33, opened his account for Santos two weeks ago with his first goal in 14 months.