How can Brazil lineup after Neymar's return?

The Santos forward will hope to lead Selecao to World Cup qualification.

Following a 17-month absence, Neymar has been brought back into the Brazil squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina and Colombia.

The forward for Santos hasn’t played for the Selecao since suffering a knee injury in an October 2023 match against Uruguay. He has drawn attention since returning to his boyhood club in January, though, following a lackluster stint at Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.

In seven games in the top Brazilian division, the 33-year-old has three goals and three assists. Neymar (128) is Brazil’s highest goalscorer with 79 goals, two ahead of Pele, and only Cafu (142) has more caps for his country.

He claimed to be “getting back into my best physical shape” following his third goal in his last four games for Santos in last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Bragantino. Without Neymar, who participated in the first four World Cup qualifying matches, Brazil have struggled.

Brazil, now ranked fifth in the Conmebol standings with 18 points from 12 games, will host Colombia on March 21 before traveling to Argentina, the league leaders, five days later.

After 12 games, they are seven points behind leaders Argentina in their World Cup qualification group, in fifth place. In their qualifying, Dorival Júnior’s team has won five and lost four.

How can Brazil line up after Neymar’s return?

Brazil’s predicted lineup ahead of Neymar’s return:

(4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker (GK); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Arana; Gerson, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinícius Júnior; Joao Pedro

Neymar’s inclusion in the lineup means Dorival Júnior might employ a more attacking team, which Tite did in the FIFA 2022 World Cup, with the Santos player operating as an attacking midfielder in the match.

With Rapnhina and Vinicius playing on the wings and Joao Pedro operating as centre-forward, Neymar will be playing as no.10 behind the striker.

This is the best Brazil can line up, but expect Junior to put in those players who are currently performing at the top of their game. Neymar’s inclusion in the lineup will be important as he brings a different flair. The player will be the biggest threat in the attack and will help his side create more goal-scoring chances.

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