There will be no return to the Brazil fold for Neymar in their clash with Colombia on Thursday night, as he has pulled out of the upcoming squad with injury.

The Selecao's all-time record goalscorer looked set for a comeback after 17 months away from the national setup, but injury has got in the way once again, with Endrick coming in to replace the Santos man.

Along with Neymar, Brazil are missing plenty of important players due to injury, especially at the back, with Eder Militao, Bremer and Danilo all absent.

Ederson Moraes is also missing in goal, but Liverpool's Alisson is now fit and available once more after being absent for both October and November's international windows.

It is no surprise to see all of the first-time call-ups go to defenders given the injury crisis in that position, and that could see Nottingham Forest's Murillo earn a well-deserved debut, while Flamengo duo Leo Ortiz and Wesley Franca are also in the frame for a first cap.

In front of Alisson though, it is likely to be an experienced back four consisting of Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes starting in the centre, with Vanderson and Alex Sandro at full-back.

Joelinton will hope to partner his Newcastle United team mate Bruno Guimaraes in midfield after both were successful in delivering a first trophy to the Magpies in seven decades at the weekend, but Gerson has got the nod recently in a two-man engine room.

Hopes will lie on Raphinha to be the potential match-winner for Brazil given his recent Ballon d'Or-contender form, while more will be expected of Vinicius Junior, who was widely criticised for his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last week.

Some of the surprise omissions from the squad include Lucas Paqueta, Ederson and Igor Jesus, who impressed when drafted into the squad in October due to a lack of other viable attacking options.

Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus are also out injured at present, so that leaves a void up front for the Selecao, which could be filled by one of Matheus Cunha or Joao Pedro.

There was also no place this time for either Lucas Moura or Oscar, who had both played themselves back into contention after returning to Brazilian football to join Sao Paulo, the club where both players started their careers.

Written by
Andrew Delaney