Brazil’s national team has made the notable decision to leave star forward Neymar Jr. and rising talent Andrick out of the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay. This exclusion is attributed to a lack of recent playtime for both players, with the team prioritizing active, match-fit talent for this round of critical matches.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, recently returned to the field after a prolonged injury but has seen only limited action since then, clocking just 13 minutes in his single game back. While coach Fernando Diniz confirmed that Neymar has fully recovered from his injury, the coaching staff felt that his minimal playtime did not justify a call-up for the high-stakes qualifiers. This means fans will have to wait until March next year to see Neymar back in yellow and green, with Brazil set to face Colombia and Argentina in further World Cup qualifiers.

The 18-year-old Andrick, who joined Real Madrid earlier this year, is also on the sidelines of the Brazil squad. Since the start of the season, Andrick has been afforded just 107 minutes on the pitch for his new club, limiting his impact and experience on the international stage. The coaching team expressed a desire to give preference to players who have been active and in form, thus shaping a team that can deliver the intensity needed for these qualifiers.

This decision reflects a pragmatic approach by the Brazilian staff, as they look to ensure that every player called up is at peak physical and tactical readiness. Neymar’s absence, however, remains significant, as the prolific striker has been a staple of Brazil's international lineup and a leader both on and off the field.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the squad adapts without Neymar’s influence in the attacking third and whether young prospects will step up in his absence. The exclusion of both Neymar and Andrick from Brazil’s squad may signal a shift toward fresh, in-form talent as the team looks to secure its place in the 2026 World Cup.