Casemiro placed Neymar alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he claimed that the injury-plagued Brazil star is still "indispensable".
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Neymar left out of Brazil squadSantos star is working on his fitnessCasemiro stressed his importance to the SelecaoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! š¢š±WHAT HAPPENED?
Neymar, currently on the books of Santos, did not receive a call-up from national team boss Carlo Ancelotti for Brazilās latest fixtures. Nevertheless, Ancelotti offered reassurance regarding the forwardās international future, stating that the door remains firmly open for his return.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT CASEMIRO SAID
Despite Neymarās ongoing fitness struggles and his omission from Ancelottiās latest squad, Casemiro believes that his national team-mate is still a vital piece in Brazilās World Cup puzzle.
"It's up to Neymar to be physically well again, to be happy again," he told reporters. "Without a doubt, Neymar is more than necessary. Not only in the Brazilian team, but in any club in the world, Neymar is indispensable. We know that Neymar needs to be physically well, because when he is, he is one of the best. He's a special player. For me, he's top 3 of my time in football: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar's latest setback is not injury-related but a positive Covid-19 test that has again sidelined him. Santos released an official statement revealing that the former PSG and Barcelona player tested positive last Thursday and has since entered isolation in compliance with health protocols.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
Despite the concerning update, the timing may actually work in Neymarās favour. He was already serving a suspension for the clubās clash with Fortaleza on Friday, meaning the Covid diagnosis hasnāt caused him to miss additional games. Moreover, with Santos not scheduled to play again until their match against Palmeiras nearly a month later due to the Club World Cup pause, Neymar has time to fully recover and potentially sign a new contract. Meanwhile, Brazil will shift focus to their next encounter against Paraguay in Sao Paulo this Wednesday.
