Overview

• Neymar, Brazil's top scorer, is sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, with recovery expected to last until mid-2024.
• Despite Neymar's absence, Brazil's coach Fernando Diniz is not expecting a new hero to emerge in the young team brimming with talent.
• Diniz highlighted that players such as Barcelona's Raphinha, Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Vinicius, or Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus can shine in Neymar's absence.
• Teenage prodigy Endrick has been called up to play for the five-time world champions for the first time.
• Brazil is currently third in the South American qualifying group, level on seven points with second-placed Uruguay and Venezuela in fourth, behind Argentina on 12 points after four games.