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Brazil's new manager, Dorival Junior, addresses Neymar's status with the national team.
Brazil’s boss, Dorival Junior, has set a challenge for Neymar to prove himself if he wants to retake his spot in the national team. Amidst the backdrop of a gruelling injury recovery, Neymar's potential return to the national team hinges on his ability to showcase his fitness and focus.
The Road to Recovery
Neymar's ordeal began with a devastating ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, sidelining him since last October. Despite the setback and undergoing surgery, Neymar harboured aspirations of joining the fray at the 2024 Copa America.
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However, these hopes were dashed by the team's medical verdict, prompting a period of introspection and rehabilitation for the 32-year-old forward. Now, under the vigilant eyes of Al-Hilal, his new sanctuary post a high-profile move from PSG, Neymar embarks on a journey to regain his lost form and silence his critics, including those who question his physical condition upon his return.
A Glimmer of Hope and Expectation
Dorival Junior's words resonate with both caution and optimism, underscoring Neymar's invaluable contribution to the team and the high stakes of his return.
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"It is one of the main projects. Neymar is a very important player. He is well aware of that. He is one of the greatest players in world football. Our hope is that he recovers physically,” he said, per Goal.
“He has a place [in the squad] for everything he has accomplished in the national team, but he needs to be confident, calm, balanced and, above all, focused. He will be part of the process as long as he is fully recovered," Dorival articulated, setting the stage for Neymar's potential resurgence.
As Brazil gears up for high-profile clashes against England and Spain in the coming month, the absence of Neymar, alongside key players like Alisson Becker, Matheus Cunha, and Joao Pedro, adds a layer of intrigue to how the Selecao will navigate these challenging fixtures.
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