why neymar jr is not playing

Neymar Jr is not playing currently due to a fresh thigh injury sustained during training with his club Santos, causing swelling and discomfort. This new injury has led to him being excluded from Brazil's squad for their final World Cup qualifying matches in September 2025. Coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized that Neymar's exclusion is a precautionary measure due to this minor leg muscle strain to ensure his optimal condition for future important matches. Neymar has also faced ongoing serious physical problems since 2023, including a significant knee injury, which has kept him out of international duty for nearly two years. Despite showing some flashes of form at Santos, this latest injury continues to delay his return to both club and national team action.